JD Vance says his answer may have caused Zelensky blow-up as he reveals what Trump expects from him

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance appeared to acknowledge that his remarks may have contributed to the recent diplomatic spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Vance explained the dynamics of his role within the Donald Trump administration, reported the Irish Star.

Vice President JD Vance addresses Volodymyr Zelensky dispute 

When Laura Ingraham asked JD Vance if the Volodymyr Zelensky clash was "planned," the vice president said, "No, it was certainly not planned." 

Shedding light on how the dispute unfolded, the 40-year-old said, "What happened is the same reporter had asked two questions I thought were unfair... And, I just wanted to answer the question and, of course, something I said in my answer caused the blow-up, you know Zelensky got frustrated and everything went from there."

"Obviously, he is the president, I'm the vice president. I try to be respectful but I also recognize that sometimes the president wants me to say stuff," Vance further shared, referencing Donald Trump.

He added, "If I think there is something useful I can say and I think it's going to be deferential to the president, I will jump in and offer my thoughts." 

JD Vance on buying a Tesla and supposed tensions within the Trump Cabinet

JD Vance also found himself in an awkward exchange over Tesla when Fox News host Laura Ingraham pressed him on whether he planned to purchase one of the electric vehicles in light of Trump's recent high-profile Tesla buy. Instead of a direct answer, Vance simply stated, "I can't drive anymore."

Rather than letting the comment slide, Ingraham pushed back with a playful jab, saying, "It's a nice dodge, a nice DOGE," referencing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Amid speculation of internal disagreements within the administration, Vance dismissed notions of any significant tension. "I don't think there's tension. There's certainly disagreement from time to time," he said, noting that within any administration, differing perspectives are expected.

He also reaffirmed support for key figures in the administration, stating, "The president has been very clear, Elon's doing a great job, and obviously, we appreciate what he's doing. Marco (Rubio) is doing an incredible job as Secretary of State."

Vance maintained an optimistic view of his colleagues. "I had high expectations, and he's actually exceeded those expectations," he said. 

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky's heated Oval Office meeting

A tense exchange erupted in the Oval Office on February 28 as US President Donald Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a heated discussion over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to sources, the conversation turned confrontational when Vance urged Zelensky to consider a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Russia.

"Diplomacy is needed to end this war," Vance reportedly said. Zelenskyy pushed back sharply, questioning, "What kind of diplomacy?"

The exchange escalated when Vance accused Zelensky of being "disrespectful" in the president’s office, to which the Ukrainian leader firmly responded, telling the vice president "not to talk loudly." At that point, Trump intervened, siding with his vice president and calling Zelensky’s remarks "disrespectful."

"You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have," the 78-year-old said. 

The conversation, which lasted nearly 45 minutes, became particularly intense during its final moments, as Trump and Vance expressed skepticism over Ukraine's strategy and Zelensky highlighted Russia’s history of broken commitments.