JD Vance says 'every major conflict in history' including WWII ended via 'negotiation' in major gaffe

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance sparked backlash on Sunday, August 24, after incorrectly claiming that World War II ended through negotiation, drawing sharp criticism from historians, fact-checkers, and social media users.

Vance made the remarks during an appearance on NBC’s 'Meet the Press' while defending President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, asserting that “every major conflict in human history” concludes with negotiation.

Critics swiftly corrected him, pointing out that World War II ended with Germany and Japan’s unconditional surrender, not a negotiated settlement.

JD Vance defends Ukraine peace talks, says wars end through negotiation

“This is how wars ultimately get settled. If you go back to World War II, if you go back to World War I. If you go back to every major conflict in human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation,” Vance said.

Host Kristen Welker pressed Vance on concerns that Ukraine might be pressured to accept the loss of territory illegally seized by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal involving ceding land.

“First of all, the Ukrainians are going to ultimately make the determination about where you draw the territorial lines in their own country,” Vance said. “If Ukrainians are willing to say something on territory that brings the conflict to a close, we’re not going to stop them. We’re also not going to force them, because it’s not our country.”

Vance emphasized that the US is acting as a mediator rather than an active party in any negotiations: “Finding middle ground is how wars ultimately get settled.” 

JD Vance mocked after WWII remark

Users on X quickly pointed out the error, with one writing, “World War II didn’t end with negotiation. Germany and Japan both surrendered unconditionally. There were later treaties (like the formal surrender documents and postwar settlements), but those were imposed terms, not mutual negotiations.”

Another added, “President Trump is the Peace POTUS. He’s already done it 10 times this term.”

One person wrote, “Wrong, the wars ended because those involved no longer wanted to fight and were interested in peace. Unfortunately, Putin's Russia is not like that.”

The vice president’s comments also drew a flurry of ridicule online. “Vance says WWII ended in negotiation — someone tell that to Hiroshima,” one user wrote, referencing the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. Another quipped, “Unconditional surrender means a defeated nation (or military force) gives up completely without any guarantees or negotiated terms.”

Vance has not publicly responded to the criticism.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.