In a recent interview with CNN’s “State of the Union,” Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance defended his running mate, former President Trump, against accusations from former Pentagon officials such as ex-White House chief of staff John Kelly. Vance argued that Trump’s reluctance to engage in “ridiculous wars” was the reason for the criticisms from individuals like Kelly and former Rep. Liz Cheney. He asserted that Trump’s approach to peace and war had caused a divide with members of the Pentagon bureaucracy and neoconservatives who disagreed with him on military conflicts.
Vance claimed that Trump’s refusal to listen to military leadership on certain conflicts was a display of his commitment to peace. He argued that the pushback from former administration officials like Mark Milley, Mike Pence, James Mattis, Mark Esper, and John Bolton was not based on Trump’s personality but on their disagreement with his stance on war. Vance suggested that Trump’s willingness to fire individuals who failed or disagreed with him was a necessary approach to maintaining accountability and ensuring effective governance.
During the interview, Vance criticized host Jake Tapper for not addressing more pressing issues affecting Americans such as rising grocery and housing costs. He emphasized the importance of focusing on policies that directly impact citizens’ lives rather than getting caught up in personal disagreements or controversies. Vance also defended Trump against accusations of advocating for the use of the military against Americans, clarifying that Trump’s comments were aimed at far-left extremists and individuals who incited violence during protests.
In a separate appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Vance reiterated Trump’s commitment to NATO while emphasizing the need for other member countries to contribute their fair share to defense spending. He acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin as an adversary but highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Vance emphasized Trump’s desire for NATO to function as a strong alliance, with all member nations actively participating in mutual defense obligations.
In response to Tapper’s questions about Trump’s comments regarding an “enemy from within,” Vance clarified that Trump was referring to individuals engaging in violent or destructive behavior, not law-abiding citizens. He emphasized the need for federal law enforcement to intervene in situations where public safety is at risk due to riots or other forms of civil unrest. Vance also addressed criticisms of Trump’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, pointing out that accountability and competent decision-making were essential qualities in governance.
Overall, Vance portrayed Trump as a candidate committed to using military force judiciously and pursuing peace through strength. He defended Trump against accusations of authoritarian behavior, arguing that Trump’s actions were often misconstrued or taken out of context. Vance’s interviews on various news outlets sought to highlight Trump’s policies on national security and foreign relations while pushing back against criticisms from former administration officials and political opponents.
