Washington (CNN) Vice President Mike Pence is defending President Donald Trump for asking the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden -- even when faced with his past comments on foreign interference in US politics.

In Iowa on Wednesday, CNN's Randi Kaye asked Pence if he stood by his comments during the 2016 election that foreign governments "cannot participate" in the US political process.

"Well, I do," Pence replied. "I think that's why President Trump is so concerned about a foreign interference in our election in Ukraine."

During the 2016 vice presidential debate , Pence attacked the Clinton Foundation for accepting donations from foreign governments while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

"This is basic stuff. Foreign donors, and certainly foreign governments, cannot participate in the American political process," Pence said at the time.

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