Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance and other Republicans for turning away from free-market economics, warning that the party’s shift could open the door to a movement championing economic freedom. In an interview published Oct. 15, 2026, Daniels was asked about Vance’s criticism of economist Milton Friedman, a leading advocate of free-market capitalism. “I think they are in error,” Daniels said. Daniels said Vance’s argument appears to be that markets can disrupt culture and tradition. But, he said, that dynamism is part of how markets work—and a necessary force for preserving opportunity. “It’s the only mechanism, in my view, for preserving the American dream, and that’s the most important element of our culture,” Daniels said. The dispute reflects a growing divide among Republicans over the proper role of government in the economy. Vance has defended the Trump administration’s economic policies, including its wide-ranging tariffs, while critics say those positions mark a departure from the party’s traditional support for free markets. Daniels said the Republican Party’s evolution under President Donald Trump could create an opening for a “pro-freedom” movement. His remarks put a prominent former Republican governor on the opposing side of a debate over whether government should take a larger hand in steering the economy—or leave more room for market forces.