Former Vice President Mike Pence said Donald Trump’s criticism of U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, delivered during a speech in Saudi Arabia last week, was inappropriate to voice on foreign soil.

Pence appeared on Meet the Press Sunday to discuss Trump’s remarks in Riyadh, where the former president questioned the effectiveness of American “nation-building” efforts in the region. Trump suggested that development in cities like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi resulted primarily from local efforts rather than Western intervention.

The Disagreement

Pence said he disagreed with Trump’s choice to make those statements while overseas. “Questioning America’s role in the global war on terror in front of a foreign audience was unfair to service members who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Pence argued.

Trump made the comments during a multi-day visit to the Gulf region that included stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The trip drew attention partly because Trump did not include Israel on his itinerary.

Pence’s Position

Despite disagreements since the January 6 Capitol attack, Pence framed his criticism as principle-based rather than personal. Through his advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, Pence said he intends to remain a “constructive force” in shaping the conservative agenda.

Pence added that he supports Trump on certain policies, including efforts to reverse immigration measures introduced by President Joe Biden. The former vice president continues to position himself as a Republican voice independent of Trump while maintaining alignment on select issues.

This story has been updated. CNN’s Political Staff contributed to this report.