In his first interview since taking office, Vice President JD Vance defended President Trump‘s executive orders, pardons of hundreds of January 6 defendants, and efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. Vance also addressed concerns about the White House’s focus on economic issues and justified the suspension of the nation’s refugee admissions program.
Vance called new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “a disrupter” after casting the tie-breaking vote to confirm him. Hegseth’s nomination was controversial due to allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement. Vance argued that Hegseth’s primary task will be to fix problems at the Department of Defense, including increasing recruitment and improving the weapons procurement process.
Vance expressed confidence in the confirmation of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, despite criticism of her views on U.S. diplomacy. He described her as a “career military servant” who will bring trust back to the intelligence services.
Vance cited executive orders aimed at bringing jobs back to the U.S. as a way to lower prices, emphasizing “capital investment” as a means to achieve this. He also defended Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency, arguing that developing more energy resources will help lower consumer prices.
Vance criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its handling of disaster relief, saying it “has often been a disaster.” He suggested that Trump’s plan to reform or eliminate FEMA would focus on getting aid directly to those in need.
Regarding immigration, Vance defended the revocation of a policy barring arrests near schools and places of worship, saying he hopes it will deter illegal immigrants. He also criticized the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ condemnation of the immigration orders, suggesting they may have financial motives.
Vance called birthright citizenship “the dumbest immigration policy in the world” and defended Trump’s attempt to eliminate it, arguing that temporary visitors should not receive citizenship benefits. He also supported Trump’s suspension of the refugee admissions program, citing unspecified “vetting problems.”
Vance defended Trump’s pardons of January 6 defendants, claiming they were denied constitutional protections and due process. He also criticized former Attorney General Merrick Garland for “weaponizing” the Justice Department.
Finally, Vance reiterated his stance against Big Tech, saying they have too much power and are “on notice.” Despite tech leaders’ presence at Trump’s inauguration, Vance emphasized that they did not receive special treatment.
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