White House blasts ‘fake narrative’ on Vance’s absence from Iran strikes: ‘Classic media creation’

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance has faced scrutiny after reports suggested he had remained distant from 'Operation Epic Fury' while strikes involving Iran and US-Israeli forces continued in the Middle East on Tuesday, March 17.

White House officials quickly rejected those claims and defended the vice president. In a post online, the White House criticized the coverage, calling it “a classic mainstream media creation.”

The response came as critics questioned Vance’s reduced public visibility and speculated on why he had not appeared prominently amid ongoing military developments involving Iran and the wider region.

The conflict between the US and Iran has now entered its 18th day. The escalation began on February 28, when the first bombs were dropped on Iranian territory.

JD Vance defends role amid Iran war scrutiny

The White House pushed back against reports suggesting Vance had been absent from public view. “This fake narrative is absolutely laughable to every single person who is in the know in Washington,” a White House official told Fox News Digital.

Administration officials cited several recent appearances and engagements to counter claims that the vice president had kept a low profile during the military operation. “The vice president hasn’t been keeping a low profile,” a spokesperson for Vice President Vance’s office stated.

“He’s attended two dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base, went on primetime TV after the start of Operation Epic Fury, held a press gaggle, and delivered two speeches in which he discussed the heroic sacrifice of America’s service members,” the official said.

The transfers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware took place after American soldiers were killed in the early days of the US military operation targeting Iran.

“The vice president and other administration officials conducted multiple media interviews and will continue to do so,” the senior White House official told ABC. “The national security team also held multiple briefing calls with members of the press and key stakeholders after the operation began," the senior concluded.

The response from the administration followed reporting by ABC News that raised questions about Vance’s visibility during the initial phase of the strikes. According to the report, a senior White House official rejected the idea that the vice president had been absent.

JD Vance addresses role in Iran strike operation

Vance has also made several public appearances since the start of 'Operation Epic Fury', including a television interview where he explained the administration’s position on the strikes against Iran. Vance appeared on Fox News’ "Jesse Watters Primetime" on March 2.

He became the first administration official, other than Trump’s pre-recorded announcement, to speak live on TV about the operation. Reports say Vance has made nine public appearances since 'Operation Epic Fury' began.

During the interview, Vance explained why the administration decided to strike Iran and pushed back against fears of a long war. "President Trump will not get the United States into a years-long conflict with no clear objective," Vance told Watters.

Vance also spoke briefly about his role in the response while talking to reporters at an event in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He said discussions inside the White House about strategy are classified but confirmed that he has been part of those conversations.