Mike Pence in ABC This Week interviews during 2017

On Civil Rights: No place in our administration for LGBTQ discrimination

PENCE: Throughout the campaign, President Trump made it clear that discrimination would have no place in our administration. He was the very first Republican nominee to mention the LGBTQ community at our Republican National Convention and was applauded for it. And I was there applauding with him.

On Immigration: Immigrant ban focuses on safety of Americans, not niceties

PENCE: The administration is complying with that order, and we'll go through the process in the courts to implement this action that is entirely focused on the safety and security of the American people. The Obama administration identified these seven countries repeatedly as compromised by terrorism. And so by putting a pause in for all these countries, we can assure that anyone that's coming here doesn't represent a threat to our families and our communities.

Q: There's been a chorus of criticism of this ban. Could it have been done better?

PENCE: I think the early days of this administration are going to be described in the history books as days of action. The American people welcome the decisiveness that President Trump has shown on this issue, putting the safety and secretary of the American people above the niceties of communicating with people in Washington.

On Principles & Values: Repeal the Johnson Amendment: free speech from the pulpit

PENCE: This week [Trump] reiterated his commitment to repeal the Johnson Amendment, that's put a chilling effect on free speech in religious institutions around the country.

Q: Do think a new executive order is necessary on religious liberty?

PENCE: The Johnson amendment essentially threatens the tax-exempt status of churches and synagogues and religious institutions if they were seen to be involved in political expression. I don't think we'd have ever made it to these hallowed halls back in 1790 if the pulpits of this country had been silenced from speaking about what they thought was right and wrong. The president identified the Johnson amendment and he told people of faith of every background across this country that he would work to repeal it. And he's directed the administration to begin to look at ways, both legislatively and through executive action to do that.

On War & Peace: Economic sanctions on Iran for ballistic missile tests

PENCE: It means, we're watching.

Q: What are we watching for?

PENCE: It means Iran would do well to look at the calendar and realize there's a new president. And Iran would do well not to test the resolve of this new president.

Q: What would testing the resolve be?

PENCE: The ballistic missile tests last week were in direct violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. That's why the president took the decisive action to impose economic sanctions on their supply chain for their missile program. But let's also recognize that the Houthi rebels in Yemen are fully subsidized by Iran.

Q: That might require military action? President said, "Everything's on the table."

PENCE: The Iranians got a deal from the international community that the president and I and our administration think was a terrible deal. We're evaluating that as we speak.