JD Vance slams reporter for ‘trying to drive a wedge’ between him and Trump over Iran

JD Vance emphasized that both he and Donald Trump share the same long-standing position that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons
Vice President JD Vance pushed back strongly against a reporter’s question suggesting tension between him and President Donald Trump over the administration’s military action in Iran (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Vice President JD Vance pushed back strongly against a reporter’s question suggesting tension between him and President Donald Trump over the administration’s military action in Iran (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)


WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance slammed a reporter for attempting to create a division between him and President Donald Trump over US military action in Iran. Vance reaffirmed their shared position that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He also pushed back when asked whether he opposes the president’s approach to war with Iran. This follows Vance’s denial that he revealed any advice he gave Trump on the Iran conflict, noting that the details are classified.

JD Vance says, 'Iran should not have a nuclear weapon'

President Donald Trump listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

JD Vance defended the administration’s recent military actions in Iran while responding sharply to reporters’ attempts to frame a rift between him and Trump.

“I certainly know what we're going to do, and look, we have to do it,” Vance said. “As the president said, this is a problem that is festered in this country for far too long, and far too few people have actually wanted to do anything about it. That's what makes this Administration different is that we actually tackle the problems the American people have been confronting.”

Vance acknowledged the reporter’s line of questioning, accusing them of trying to sow division. “I think I know what you're trying to do. You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president." 

Vance added, "What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agree with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We have taken this military action under the president’s leadership. I think all of us, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, should pray for the success of the mission and pray for the safety of our troops. That's the approach that I've taken. Make it as successful as possible.”

Donald Trump and JD Vance praise each other at White House briefing

President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order regarding a task force on fraud in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance listens. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order regarding a task force on fraud in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance listens (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A reporter pressed JD Vance on whether his past statements conflicted with the current military operation in Iran. “So there's no hesitation, given your past statements, with the current operation? Given your skepticism of foreign adventurism, you were a critic of the global war on terror previously,” the reporter asked.

Vance defended the administration and praised Trump’s leadership. “I think one big difference is that we have a smart president. Whereas in the past, we’ve had dumb presidents, I trust President Trump to get the job done and to do a good job for the American people. People want to make sure that the mistakes of the past aren’t repeated, absolutely,” he said.

Trump later endorsed Vance’s explanation, highlighting their shared caution on military conflict.

“So, JD has been great, but here's the simple thing, and I have, you know, some people I don't want wars. I want wars less than almost anybody,” the president added, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on careful, decisive action.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

In 2000, WH reporter Susan Page said a similar security operation was used for Bill Clinton's trip, showing such measures aren't unprecedented
6 hours ago
Thom Tillis, Mike Rounds and Lisa Murkowski pressed for bipartisan cooperation as Donald Trump seeks votes for his record defense spending plan
8 hours ago
One insider claimed Karoline Leavitt spent time figuring out how to step down with President Donald Trump’s approval
8 hours ago
Donald Trump was secretly moved to a smaller military jet after the Secret Service treated the warning as serious despite CIA skepticism
8 hours ago
Stephen Miller praised Karoline Leavitt as an 'extraordinary person' who has risen to a key position in the broader movement
8 hours ago
Freedom of the Press Foundation's Seth Stern called Donald Trump's paid early-access posts 'blatantly corrupt and unconstitutional'
9 hours ago
Zohran Mamdani’s spokeswoman had initially said that Rama Duwaji's security detail would accompany her, citing a strong recommendation from the NYPD
10 hours ago
Donald Trump has yet to name a successor after Karoline Leavitt announced plans to leave, with several Trump allies now emerging as possible contenders
11 hours ago
David Hearn's vandalism case was dismissed after Jeanine Pirro said faulty renovations, not vandalism, caused the Reflecting Pool damage
16 hours ago
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt would remain a top adviser and highlighted her potential influence in the GOP ahead of the midterms
17 hours ago