Iran has reportedly refused to engage in negotiations led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing deep mistrust over past talks.

Reports say Tehran views the two as unreliable after earlier diplomatic efforts collapsed and were followed by military escalation.

Instead, Iran has indicated a preference for US Vice President JD Vance to take the lead in any potential talks, seeing him as a more acceptable interlocutor.

Despite these developments, Iranian officials continue to publicly deny that any direct negotiations with the United States are currently underway.

US-Iran War | Report: Iran Rejects Witkoff, Kushner Talks, Wants JD Vance To Lead

U.S. Special Envoy Vance reportedly spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a potential peace deal amid ongoing regional tensions. The conversation signals diplomatic efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East and explores steps toward negotiation and resolution between the parties.

Netanyahu, JD Vance Discuss Potential Iran Deal

U.S. Senator JD Vance is increasingly positioning himself on the national stage ahead of a possible future presidential primary run, carefully balancing a message of strategic restraint abroad with continued alignment to the MAGA political base. His evolving stance on foreign policy, economic nationalism, and party leadership reflects shifting dynamics within the Republican Party as attention turns toward the next election cycle.


JD Vance Eyes Primary Stage, Balances Restraint With Maga Loyalty

Vance’s silence is sustainable for now, but it has an expiration date. If "Operation Epic Fury" drags on, if American casualties mount, or if the economic fallout from the Gulf triggers a recession, the anti-war wing of the MAGA movement will demand that Vance speak up.

Vance’s silence is sustainable for now, but it has an expiration date. If "Operation Epic Fury" drags on, if American casualties mount, or if the economic fallout from the Gulf triggers a recession, the anti-war wing of the MAGA movement will demand that Vance speak up.

'Invisible Vice President': Where is JD Vance and why is he missing in action as Marco Rubio leads the Iran War for Trump

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-iran-war-trump-wants-to-delay-trip-to-china-summit-with-xi-for-a-month-or-so-here-s-why-1773697685355">Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why</a><h2>Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump</h2>When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press.“I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.”<h2>Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars</h2>Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before.“One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest</a><h2>Vance's U-turn on war</h2>A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.”But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war.His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine. Also read | Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press. “I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.” Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before. “One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest Vance's U-turn on war A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.” But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war. His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

Vance accuses press of 'driving a wedge' between him and Trump; defends Iran war, blasts 'dumb' predecessors

US Vice President JD Vance has said that Kristi Noem has a “great opportunity to serve” in the newly created “Shields of America” position.

JD Vance Says Kristi Noem Has ‘Great Opportunity’ In New Shields Of America Role | WION

Iran on Tuesday (Feb 17) said that Washington and Tehran have reached an understanding after the vital US-Iran talks in Geneva. However, US President Donald Trump's second-in-command, Vice President JD Vance, claims that Iran has yet to acknowledge the United States' "red lines". This comes as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the Geneva talks "more constructive" than the previous round earlier this month.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ahead-of-us-iran-talks-in-geneva-warns-iran-of-consequences-if-nuclear-deal-fails-what-bout-uss-abraham-lincoln-1771295379775">Trump, ahead of US-Iran talks in Geneva, warns Tehran of 'consequences' if nuclear deal fails</a><h2>Vance slams Iran over 'red lines'</h2>Talking to Fox News, Vance categorised the talks as productive, saying, " In some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards." However, he insisted that the Iranians did not seem willing to fall in line with POTUS Trump's terms. "But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through," said the US Vice President while appearing on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" programme.Vance said that while the US will "keep working on it," Trump has the discretion to decide the "natural end" of the diplomatic efforts, hinting at possible military intervention, which the POTUS had warned about in recent days. "We're going to keep on working it. But of course, the president reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end," Vance said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-link-to-three-oil-tankers-seized-by-india-near-mumbai-in-smuggling-probe-exclusive-economic-zone-stellar-ruby-asphalt-star-and-al-jafzia-1771292133669">Iran denies link to three oil tankers seized by India near Mumbai in smuggling probe</a><h2>What did Iran say about the talks?</h2>Following the Omani-mediated talks, which were aimed at averting the possibility of US military intervention to curb Iran's nuclear programme, Iran's foreign minister told the state television that "Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement".He claimed that once both sides had come up with draft texts of an agreement to avert conflict, "the drafts would be exchanged and a date for a third round (of talks) would be set". &nbsp;

After Geneva talks, Tehran claimed a “broad agreement” on guiding principles for a deal had been reached; however, US Vice President JD Vance says Iran still refuses to acknowledge Washington’s ‘red lines,’ keeping tensions and military threats in play.

Iran on Tuesday (Feb 17) said that Washington and Tehran have reached an understanding after the vital US-Iran talks in Geneva. However, US President Donald Trump's second-in-command, Vice President JD Vance, claims that Iran has yet to acknowledge the United States' "red lines". This comes as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the Geneva talks "more constructive" than the previous round earlier this month. Also read | Trump, ahead of US-Iran talks in Geneva, warns Tehran of 'consequences' if nuclear deal fails Vance slams Iran over 'red lines' Talking to Fox News, Vance categorised the talks as productive, saying, " In some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards." However, he insisted that the Iranians did not seem willing to fall in line with POTUS Trump's terms. "But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through," said the US Vice President while appearing on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" programme. Vance said that while the US will "keep working on it," Trump has the discretion to decide the "natural end" of the diplomatic efforts, hinting at possible military intervention, which the POTUS had warned about in recent days. "We're going to keep on working it. But of course, the president reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end," Vance said. Also read | Iran denies link to three oil tankers seized by India near Mumbai in smuggling probe What did Iran say about the talks? Following the Omani-mediated talks, which were aimed at averting the possibility of US military intervention to curb Iran's nuclear programme, Iran's foreign minister told the state television that "Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement". He claimed that once both sides had come up with draft texts of an agreement to avert conflict, "the drafts would be exchanged and a date for a third round (of talks) would be set".

After Geneva talks, Tehran claimed a “broad agreement” on guiding principles for a deal had been reached; however, US Vice President JD Vance says Iran still refuses to acknowledge Washington’s ‘red lines,’ keeping tensions and military threats in play.

Iran claims breakthrough in Geneva talks, Vance says Tehran ignoring Trump's 'red lines'

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday visited Azerbaijan, arriving from Armenia as part of a regional trip aimed at consolidating a US-brokered peace process between the Caucasus neighbours.


US-Azerbaijan Ties: US VP Vance on Peace Bid in Azerbaijan After Armenia Visit

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were booed by the crowd gathered at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Italy’s Milan on Friday (Feb 6). As they appeared on the big screen at the San Siro stadium, applauding and waving US flags, Vance and his wife were greeted with boos during the Parade of Nations as the crowd expressed disapproval of them.“There’s the vice president, JD Vance, and his wife, Usha—oop,“ CBC commentator Adrienne Arsenault said during the broadcast of the opening ceremony. “Those are not—oh, those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause.”In contrast, the team of US athletes participating in the Winter Olympics were cheered and received a warm welcome in Italy.The boos came despite an advisory issued by the International Olympic Committee to refrain from heckling the US delegation amid geopolitical tensions.“I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of each other,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said.“No one is asking what country they come from or what religion. They are all just hanging out,” she said. “It was a real opportunity to put into perspective how we could all be. And so, for me, I hope that the opening ceremony will do that and will be a reminder for everyone how we could be.”Trolling the VP, former vice president Kamala Harris wrote on X, “Everyone booed anyway. Sad!” She was referring to the advisory.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Everyone booed anyway. Sad! <a href="https://t.co/8L9sEDqp7n">https://t.co/8L9sEDqp7n</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ifquj1w6AO">pic.twitter.com/Ifquj1w6AO</a>&mdash; HQ (@headquarters68_) <a href="https://twitter.com/headquarters68_/status/2019887360545030494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump was asked by reporters whether he was aware of the incident.“The vice president got booed during the opening ceremony. What do you make of that frosty reception?” a reporter asked.“No. Is that true? Is that right?” He replied. “It’s surprising because people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, you know, in all fairness. He doesn’t get booed in this country.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha were booed at the Milan Winter Olympics opening despite an IOC appeal for respect, while US athletes were cheered. Trump later said Vance doesn’t get booed in the US.

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were booed by the crowd gathered at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Italy’s Milan on Friday (Feb 6). As they appeared on the big screen at the San Siro stadium, applauding and waving US flags, Vance and his wife were greeted with boos during the Parade of Nations as the crowd expressed disapproval of them. “There’s the vice president, JD Vance, and his wife, Usha—oop,“ CBC commentator Adrienne Arsenault said during the broadcast of the opening ceremony. “Those are not—oh, those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause.” In contrast, the team of US athletes participating in the Winter Olympics were cheered and received a warm welcome in Italy. The boos came despite an advisory issued by the International Olympic Committee to refrain from heckling the US delegation amid geopolitical tensions. “I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of each other,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said. “No one is asking what country they come from or what religion. They are all just hanging out,” she said. “It was a real opportunity to put into perspective how we could all be. And so, for me, I hope that the opening ceremony will do that and will be a reminder for everyone how we could be.” Trolling the VP, former vice president Kamala Harris wrote on X, “Everyone booed anyway. Sad!” She was referring to the advisory.

US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha were booed at the Milan Winter Olympics opening despite an IOC appeal for respect, while US athletes were cheered. Trump later said Vance doesn’t get booed in the US.

WATCH | JD Vance gets ‘frosty’ welcome at Italy Winter Olympics as crowd boos – Here’s how Trump reacted

US Vice President J.D. Vance has warned that if Iran were to obtain nuclear weapons, it could spark a wider nuclear arms race across the Middle East, prompting countries like Saudi Arabia to pursue their own capabilities.


Vance Says Iran Getting Nukes will Lead to Global Nuclear Proliferation

US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it will trigger a widespread nuclear arms race across the Middle Eastern powers. His statement came during an interview with Megyn Kelly released on Wednesday, describing it as a nuclear “quagmire”.&nbsp;“If the Iranians get a nuclear weapon, you know who gets a nuclear weapon, like the next day? The Saudi Arabians and then somebody else in the Gulf Arab states,” Vance said.&nbsp;Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s. He added that Washington needs to strike a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and a firm stance.&nbsp;“Iran can’t have nuclear weapons. That is the stated policy goal of the president of the United States,” Vance said. “What the president is going to do is he is going to keep his options open. He’s going to talk to everybody. He’s going to try to accomplish what he can through nonmilitary means. If he feels like the military is the only option, then he’s ultimately going to choose that option," Vance added.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-villages-in-central-northern-nigeria-hit-in-deadliest-attack-1770280588658/embedd<h3>Will Trump run Iran similarly to Venezuela?</h3>When Kelly questioned Vance about the future of Iran amid ongoing protests against the regime continue. She drew a parallel with a hypothetical situation in which the US captures Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, prompting speculation that Trump would then be running the country.&nbsp;Noting the comparison, Vance said in the interview, “The president is very aware of all of the stuff." “In a perfect world, I would love it if a bunch of freedom-loving Iranians … took over their own country and had a government that was much more friendly to the United States of America? … Absolutely that would be a good thing," he said.&nbsp;The vice-president added that Trump continues to sympathise with the people of Iran, but nuclear weapons remain an utmost priority, adding that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons until Trump is in power. “Nuclear proliferation, that is very much a bad thing and something an America First foreign policy should focus on,” Vance said. “That is certainly where the president is most worried about," Vance said.&nbsp;The comments of Vance followed as Steve Wtikoff is set to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Friday. Iran has confirmed that it will only discuss its nuclear program, while US authorities have demanded that discussions include discussions on Tehran’s missile arsenal.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-cautions-trump-about-us-taiwan-arms-deal-in-phone-call-tapei-says-we-don-t-worry-too-much-1770273705901">China's Xi Jinping cautions Trump about US-Taiwan arms deal; Taipei says 'we don't worry too much'</a>

US Vice President JD Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s.

US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it will trigger a widespread nuclear arms race across the Middle Eastern powers. His statement came during an interview with Megyn Kelly released on Wednesday, describing it as a nuclear “quagmire”. “If the Iranians get a nuclear weapon, you know who gets a nuclear weapon, like the next day? The Saudi Arabians and then somebody else in the Gulf Arab states,” Vance said. Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s. He added that Washington needs to strike a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and a firm stance. “Iran can’t have nuclear weapons. That is the stated policy goal of the president of the United States,” Vance said. “What the president is going to do is he is going to keep his options open. He’s going to talk to everybody. He’s going to try to accomplish what he can through nonmilitary means. If he feels like the military is the only option, then he’s ultimately going to choose that option," Vance added. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-villages-in-central-northern-nigeria-hit-in-deadliest-attack-1770280588658/embedd Will Trump run Iran similarly to Venezuela? When Kelly questioned Vance about the future of Iran amid ongoing protests against the regime continue. She drew a parallel with a hypothetical situation in which the US captures Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, prompting speculation that Trump would then be running the country. Noting the comparison, Vance said in the interview, “The president is very aware of all of the stuff." “In a perfect world, I would love it if a bunch of freedom-loving Iranians … took over their own country and had a government that was much more friendly to the United States of America? … Absolutely that would be a good thing," he said. The vice-president added that Trump continues to sympathise with the people of Iran, but nuclear weapons remain an utmost priority, adding that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons until Trump is in power. “Nuclear proliferation, that is very much a bad thing and something an America First foreign policy should focus on,” Vance said. “That is certainly where the president is most worried about," Vance said. The comments of Vance followed as Steve Wtikoff is set to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Friday. Iran has confirmed that it will only discuss its nuclear program, while US authorities have demanded that discussions include discussions on Tehran’s missile arsenal. Also read: China's Xi Jinping cautions Trump about US-Taiwan arms deal; Taipei says 'we don't worry too much'

US Vice President JD Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s.

'If Iran gets nuclear weapons...': JD Vance warns of regional nuke arms race, mentions Saudi Arabia

US Vice-President JD Vance faces backlash for posting about the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. These comments were made in the wake of the fatal shooting of a nurse, Alex Pretti, by ICE agents, which had created a widespread uproar. Vance posted about some “crazy” stories that he heard during his time in Minneapolis, then he went on to mention off-duty ICE and CBP officers being “doxed” and their restaurant "being mobbed". Vance's framing of Minneapolis as chaotic and disorderly in the wake of multiple killings by ICE, namely, Renne Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, faced backlash, as he was called “morally repulsive” and "sick f--ck".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jd-vance-azerbaijan-armenia-peace-deal-visit-1769238591432">Trump announces JD Vance visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia months after historic peace deal</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When I was in Minneapolis, I heard a number of crazy stories. But near the top of the list: A couple of off duty ICE and CBP officers were going to dinner in Minneapolis. They were doxed and their location revealed, and the restaurant was then mobbed. The officers were locked in…&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2015537769582301388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"A couple of off-duty ICE and CBP officers were going to dinner in Minneapolis. They were doxed, and their location revealed, and the restaurant was then mobbed. The officers were locked in the restaurant, and local police refused to respond to their pleas for help (as they've been directed by local authorities). Eventually, their fellow federal agents came to their aid," said Vance in a social media post on X. He was trying to shift the blame from the ICE to the state and local officials.&nbsp;People called him a "bigot" who is blaming the victim to appease his bigoted voter base for the 2028 election. Another user called him a "tyrant". “A man was executed, and you couldn't care less. JD, I know you live in a bubble, and nobody around you cares either, but people will remember this.”“ Your federal agent shot a man ten times, and you are complaining about their f--king lunch being interrupted.” “The craziest story I have heard is two of your agents unloading 10 bullets into a va nurse for no reason. You sick f--ck.”Minneapolis is in a state of civil war. On one side are the Police and the National Guard, and on the other side Border Patrol and the ICE. Analysts predict that these will gradually spread across all the states in the US, and US President Donald Trump will be seeking a reason to enforce the Insurrection Act and not convene the 2026 mid-term elections.&nbsp;WATCH | Trump to Send Border Czar To Minneapolis After Backlash Over Alex Pretti Shooting | WION<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-to-send-border-czar-to-minneapolis-after-backlash-over-alex-pretti-shooting-wion-1769495773801/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-to-send-border-czar-to-minneapolis-after-backlash-over-alex-pretti-shooting-wion-1769495773801/embed</a>&nbsp;

Vice President JD Vance is under fire for calling Minneapolis "chaotic" after ICE agents fatally shot nurse Alex Pretti. Minneapolis is in a state of civil war, and experts predict it to spill over into other cities.

US Vice-President JD Vance faces backlash for posting about the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. These comments were made in the wake of the fatal shooting of a nurse, Alex Pretti, by ICE agents, which had created a widespread uproar. Vance posted about some “crazy” stories that he heard during his time in Minneapolis, then he went on to mention off-duty ICE and CBP officers being “doxed” and their restaurant "being mobbed". Vance's framing of Minneapolis as chaotic and disorderly in the wake of multiple killings by ICE, namely, Renne Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, faced backlash, as he was called “morally repulsive” and "sick f--ck". Also Read: Trump announces JD Vance visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia months after historic peace deal

Vice President JD Vance is under fire for calling Minneapolis "chaotic" after ICE agents fatally shot nurse Alex Pretti. Minneapolis is in a state of civil war, and experts predict it to spill over into other cities.

Why JD Vance is being called 'morally repulsive' over his latest immigration comments?

After an audio recording of US Senator Ted Cruz surfaced, rift withing the Donald Trump administration have come into sharper focus. In the audio clip, the Texas Republican openly condemned Vice President JD Vance, White House adviser Peter Navarro and, at times, President Donald Trump himself over trade policy and the stalled India-US tariff negotiations.&nbsp;As per an Axios report, the nearly 10-minute recording was shared by a Republican source and dates back to early to mid-2025. In the audio, Cruz speaks frankly to private donors, presenting himself as a conventional, free-trade, pro-intervention Republican while distancing himself from Vance’s more isolationist stance, an ideological divide seen as significant with a potential 2028 presidential primary on the horizon.&nbsp;In the recording, Cruz also attacks Trump's tariff-focused trade approach, cautioning that it could badly harm the US economy and even raise the risk of impeachment. He describes how, following the rollout of tariffs in early April 2025, he and several fellow senators joined a late-night call with the President to urge him to reconsider.&nbsp;According to Cruz, the discussion did not end well. He told donors that Trump yelled and cursed while speaking to lawmakers during the call, which reportedly stretched past midnight, the Axios report said. "Trump was in a bad mood. I have been in conversations where he was very happy. This was not one of them," Cruz said.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-manufacturing-jobs-downs-72-000-since-april-tariffs-1769400351111/embedd<h3>Cruz cautioned Trump</h3>Cruz said he had cautioned President Trump that if, by November 2026, retirement savings had dropped by 30 per cent and food prices had risen by 10 to 20 per cent, Republicans would be headed for an electoral “bloodbath”.&nbsp;"You are going to lose the House, you are going to lose the Senate, you are going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week," Cruz said he told the President. Trump's reported reply: "F**k you, Ted".&nbsp;He also ridiculed the administration's branding of the tariff rollout as "Liberation Day". Responding to a donor who used the term, Cruz mocked that anyone on his team using those words would be "fired on the spot".&nbsp;A large portion of Cruz’s comments centred on trade talks with India. He told donors he had been “fighting” the White House to push the agreement forward and even named officials he said were blocking such deals.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-iran-sink-uss-abraham-lincoln-with-its-hypersonic-missiles-1769386001221/1769386001222">Can Iran sink USS Abraham Lincoln with its hypersonic missiles?</a>

A large portion of Cruz’s comments centred on trade talks with India. He told donors he had been “fighting” the White House to push the agreement forward and even named officials he said were blocking such deals.

After an audio recording of US Senator Ted Cruz surfaced, rift withing the Donald Trump administration have come into sharper focus. In the audio clip, the Texas Republican openly condemned Vice President JD Vance, White House adviser Peter Navarro and, at times, President Donald Trump himself over trade policy and the stalled India-US tariff negotiations. As per an Axios report, the nearly 10-minute recording was shared by a Republican source and dates back to early to mid-2025. In the audio, Cruz speaks frankly to private donors, presenting himself as a conventional, free-trade, pro-intervention Republican while distancing himself from Vance’s more isolationist stance, an ideological divide seen as significant with a potential 2028 presidential primary on the horizon. In the recording, Cruz also attacks Trump's tariff-focused trade approach, cautioning that it could badly harm the US economy and even raise the risk of impeachment. He describes how, following the rollout of tariffs in early April 2025, he and several fellow senators joined a late-night call with the President to urge him to reconsider. According to Cruz, the discussion did not end well. He told donors that Trump yelled and cursed while speaking to lawmakers during the call, which reportedly stretched past midnight, the Axios report said. "Trump was in a bad mood. I have been in conversations where he was very happy. This was not one of them," Cruz said. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-manufacturing-jobs-downs-72-000-since-april-tariffs-1769400351111/embedd Cruz cautioned Trump Cruz said he had cautioned President Trump that if, by November 2026, retirement savings had dropped by 30 per cent and food prices had risen by 10 to 20 per cent, Republicans would be headed for an electoral “bloodbath”. "You are going to lose the House, you are going to lose the Senate, you are going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week," Cruz said he told the President. Trump's reported reply: "F**k you, Ted". He also ridiculed the administration's branding of the tariff rollout as "Liberation Day". Responding to a donor who used the term, Cruz mocked that anyone on his team using those words would be "fired on the spot". A large portion of Cruz’s comments centred on trade talks with India. He told donors he had been “fighting” the White House to push the agreement forward and even named officials he said were blocking such deals. Also read: Can Iran sink USS Abraham Lincoln with its hypersonic missiles?

A large portion of Cruz’s comments centred on trade talks with India. He told donors he had been “fighting” the White House to push the agreement forward and even named officials he said were blocking such deals.

‘F**k you, Ted’: Leaked audio exposes Ted Cruz’s sharp rift with Trump over India trade talks

US President Donald Trump has announced in his Truth Social post that Vice President JD Vance will be visiting the South Caucasus in February, months after the historic Azerbaijan-Armenian peace deal in Washington. Trump said that the visit was intended to further the trade and diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Southern Caucasus had rarely featured in Washington's diplomatic list before Trump."We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armour and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan," wrote Trump in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-carrier-strike-group-persian-gulf-iranian-vessels-uae-waters-1769167856013">Iranian vessels appear near UAE waters as US carriers heads to Persian Gulf</a>

The two countries were engaged in nearly four decades of conflict over the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Trump again took credit for solving “8 wars” and said there was now “prosperity and peace”. Trump publicly thanked the leadersof &nbsp;Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, for upholding the peace argument. Under the agreement, the two countries are to refrain from using force, relinquish all claims to each other's territory and respect international law.&nbsp;In recent years, Armenia has seen only one visit from US Representative Nancy Pelosi in 2022. The last time any of these countries received a visit from a US VP was in 2008 by Dick Cheney. Now, Vance is headed to both capitals as a signal, aides say privately, to elevate the foreign policy card.&nbsp;However, Azerbaijan is suffering from internal political problems. President Ilham Aliyev has launched a crackdown on opposition figures. US lawmakers have warned the Trump administration it may be “sleepwalking into complicity.” “Why is Aliyev treated as legitimate…while others are sanctioned as pariahs?” said Samara Seyidova, wife of opposition leader &nbsp;Ali Karimli, who was arrested, allegedly for attempting a “violent seizure of power,” an allegation opposition leaders call “farce”.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump says Vice President JD Vance will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia in February to boost trade and diplomacy, months after the Washington-brokered peace deal that ended decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

US President Donald Trump has announced in his Truth Social post that Vice President JD Vance will be visiting the South Caucasus in February, months after the historic Azerbaijan-Armenian peace deal in Washington. Trump said that the visit was intended to further the trade and diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Southern Caucasus had rarely featured in Washington's diplomatic list before Trump. "We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armour and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan," wrote Trump in a Truth Social post. Also Read: Iranian vessels appear near UAE waters as US carriers heads to Persian Gulf

US President Donald Trump says Vice President JD Vance will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia in February to boost trade and diplomacy, months after the Washington-brokered peace deal that ended decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Trump announces JD Vance visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia months after historic peace deal

Vice President JD Vance defended federal agents' detention of a five-year-old boy and three other children during Minnesota's ongoing immigration crackdown, stating "agents had no choice" amid Operation Metro Surge targeting undocumented criminals.


Vance Defends Child Detention: 'Agents Had No Choice' in Minnesota Raids

Second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance are expecting a baby this summer, the couple announced Tuesday.

US Second Lady Usha Vance Pregnant with Fourth Child 

Second Lady Usha Vance Announces She’s Pregnant With Her Fourth Child

Usha Vance is pregnant with her fourth child, a baby boy. Vice President JD Vance and his wife announced the good news on Tuesday (January 20) in an Instagram post. The couple is parents to three kids: Ewan, 8; Vivek, 5; and Mirabel, 4. “We’re very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy. Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July," the Instagram post read. They thanked the military doctors and staff members for their support."During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children." This is the first time a first vice presidential spouse is pregnant while her husband is in office.&nbsp;When JD Vance took office as Vice President last year, Usha became the youngest woman to serve as Second Lady in over 70 years. Jane Hadley Barkley, the wife of Harry Truman’s vice president, Alben Barkley, was 38 years old when he assumed office in 1949. Until a few weeks ago, rumours swirled that the couple was on the verge of divorce after she was seen without her wedding ring. Her spokesperson shut down all such reports, saying, "Usha is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes." JD Vance was also slammed for sharing an "intimate hug" with Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, at an October Turning Point USA event. The Vice President broke his silence on the matter in an NBC interview, saying, “Our marriage is as strong as it's ever been, and I think Usha's really taken to it, and it's been kind of cool to see how she's developed and evolved in this new role.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-elections/who-is-usha-chilukuri-vance-first-hindu-second-lady-of-us-773938">Who is Usha Chilukuri Vance, first Hindu second lady of US</a><h2>JD Vance wants Americans to have more kids</h2>JD Vance invited flak when an old interview of his resurfaced during the presidential campaign in which he had termed the Democratic leadership as "a bunch of childless cat ladies." He has often spoken about a "civilisational crisis" and the need to have more children. “Let me say very simply: I want more babies in the United States of America," he said at the 2025 March for Life event. He said that he wants "beautiful young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them." In 2021, he proposed that the US should do what Hungary did to motivate people to have more children, and reward newly married couples with loans to start families.&nbsp;

Usha Vance is pregnant and due to welcome her fourth child in July. JD Vance and his wife announced on Tuesday that they are expecting a baby boy. The news has effectively fizzled out rumours that the couple are contemplating separating.

Usha Vance is pregnant with her fourth child, a baby boy. Vice President JD Vance and his wife announced the good news on Tuesday (January 20) in an Instagram post. The couple is parents to three kids: Ewan, 8; Vivek, 5; and Mirabel, 4. “We’re very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy. Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July," the Instagram post read. They thanked the military doctors and staff members for their support."During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children." This is the first time a first vice presidential spouse is pregnant while her husband is in office. When JD Vance took office as Vice President last year, Usha became the youngest woman to serve as Second Lady in over 70 years. Jane Hadley Barkley, the wife of Harry Truman’s vice president, Alben Barkley, was 38 years old when he assumed office in 1949. Until a few weeks ago, rumours swirled that the couple was on the verge of divorce after she was seen without her wedding ring. Her spokesperson shut down all such reports, saying, "Usha is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes." JD Vance was also slammed for sharing an "intimate hug" with Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, at an October Turning Point USA event. The Vice President broke his silence on the matter in an NBC interview, saying, “Our marriage is as strong as it's ever been, and I think Usha's really taken to it, and it's been kind of cool to see how she's developed and evolved in this new role.” Also Read: Who is Usha Chilukuri Vance, first Hindu second lady of US JD Vance wants Americans to have more kids JD Vance invited flak when an old interview of his resurfaced during the presidential campaign in which he had termed the Democratic leadership as "a bunch of childless cat ladies." He has often spoken about a "civilisational crisis" and the need to have more children. “Let me say very simply: I want more babies in the United States of America," he said at the 2025 March for Life event. He said that he wants "beautiful young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them." In 2021, he proposed that the US should do what Hungary did to motivate people to have more children, and reward newly married couples with loans to start families.

Usha Vance is pregnant and due to welcome her fourth child in July. JD Vance and his wife announced on Tuesday that they are expecting a baby boy. The news has effectively fizzled out rumours that the couple are contemplating separating.

Usha Vance pregnant with her fourth child, effectively shutting divorce rumours

US Vice President JD Vance’s Secret Service agent was placed on administrative leave after reportedly sharing secret security information with his supposed romantic interest, who turned out to be an undercover journalist, James O’Keefe. The secret agent who was caught on camera was identified as Tomas Escotto, with about five years of service. According to The O'Keefe Media Group, he was expressing his dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump, his immigration policy and his opposition to ICE agents. However, very little information about Escotto's personal life is available, understandably, as the US Secret Service reveals no information about the profile of its agents.<h2>What information did Tomas Escotto reveal?</h2>According to published reports by the undercover journalist, who shared sensitive security information, these include details about protective formation, ie how he is physically surrounded, describing multiple shift changes and advance security procedures. He even sent images from Air Force Two while onboard with the Vice President, those images potentially embedded with location. According to the video, he further shared information about the future travel plans of the Vice President, sometimes days in advance. He further acknowledged that he has signed a non-disclosure agreement, which prohibits him from releasing sensitive information. But he, anyway, released such details despite knowing the other person was just a casual romantic interest.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: U.S. Secret Service Agent Assigned to VP JD Vance Leaks Sensitive Security Information to Undercover Reporter. Escotto is a holdover from the Biden administration and stated that he voted for Joe Biden, while expressing opposition to ICE &amp; the Trump administration’s… <a href="https://t.co/AyAjrt3XY4">pic.twitter.com/AyAjrt3XY4</a>&mdash; James O&#39;Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/2011154810641203660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/necla-ozmen-donald-trump-paternity-claim-1768307439508">Who is Necla Özmen? Turkish woman claiming Donald Trump is her biological father</a>WION has not independently verified the details of the video.&nbsp;According to reports, he was a holdover from the Biden administration. The US Secret Service is investigating Escotto and has revoked his security clearance, access to agency systems and facilities, and placed him on administrative leave.&nbsp;USSS Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told Fox News in a statement, "The U.S. Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agency’s required anti-espionage training in order to ensure employees are aware of the threats posed by individuals aiming to exploit agency employees for information about our protective operations."&nbsp;

A US Secret Service agent assigned to JD Vance has been placed on leave after allegedly leaking sensitive security details, triggering a federal investigation.

US Vice President JD Vance’s Secret Service agent was placed on administrative leave after reportedly sharing secret security information with his supposed romantic interest, who turned out to be an undercover journalist, James O’Keefe. The secret agent who was caught on camera was identified as Tomas Escotto, with about five years of service. According to The O'Keefe Media Group, he was expressing his dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump, his immigration policy and his opposition to ICE agents. However, very little information about Escotto's personal life is available, understandably, as the US Secret Service reveals no information about the profile of its agents. What information did Tomas Escotto reveal? According to published reports by the undercover journalist, who shared sensitive security information, these include details about protective formation, ie how he is physically surrounded, describing multiple shift changes and advance security procedures. He even sent images from Air Force Two while onboard with the Vice President, those images potentially embedded with location. According to the video, he further shared information about the future travel plans of the Vice President, sometimes days in advance. He further acknowledged that he has signed a non-disclosure agreement, which prohibits him from releasing sensitive information. But he, anyway, released such details despite knowing the other person was just a casual romantic interest.

A US Secret Service agent assigned to JD Vance has been placed on leave after allegedly leaking sensitive security details, triggering a federal investigation.

US Secret service agent assigned to JD Vance placed on leave after alleged security leak

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering diplomatic talks with Iran amid rising tensions, even as military options, including air strikes, have not been ruled out. Vice-President JD Vance and senior officials are pushing for negotiations first, while the White House says diplomacy remains a priority. The situation highlights deep divisions within the administration’s approach to Tehran.


Iran-USA Tensions: Trump Weighs Iran Talks as Military Options Remain on the Table | WION

As tensions between the United States and Iran rise amid unrest in Tehran, President Donald Trump is reportedly leaning toward military action if Tehran’s government continues violent repression and defies US pressure. At the same time, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials are urging Trump to pursue diplomatic talks before authorising any military strikes, with Washington also considering Iran’s offer for negotiations on its nuclear programme.


US-Iran Tensions: Trump Weighs Military Action as VP Vance Pushes Diplomacy | WION

Europe should take Donald Trump "seriously" on the issue of Greenland, warned US Vice President JD Vance, as Trump's advisers met with envoys from Denmark and Greenland.

Vance Warns Europe: Take US President Seriously on Greenland

One person is in custody and an investigation is under way following an incident at the Ohio residence of Vice President JD Vance, according to a federal law enforcement source. The Vance family, the official said, was not home at the time of the incident. Watch this report for the latest updates on this!


JD Vance's home attacked: unidentified man tries to break in, motive behind attack remains unclear

One person is in custody and an investigation is under way following an incident at the Ohio residence of Vice President JD Vance, according to a federal law enforcement source.

The Vance family, the official said, was not home at the time of the incident, and authorities do not believe the person entered the vice president’s home, according to preliminary reports.


JD Vance's Ohio House Attacked, Windows Smashed, Motive Remains Unclear

One person has been arrested after an incident at US Vice-President JD Vance’s Ohio residence, according to a federal law enforcement source. The official added that during the incident, the Vance family was not present and officials do not believe the person entered the vice the home of the VC president, according to preliminary reports.&nbsp;Images carried by local media showed broken windows at the residence, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. A law enforcement official told CNN that officials are investigating whether the incident involved a deliberate attempt to target Vance or members of his family.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-transgender-woman-10-found-guilty-of-harassing-france-s-first-lady-brigitte-macron-online-1767611805861">'Transgender woman': 10 found guilty of harassing France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron online</a>&nbsp;The US Vice President JD Vance, in a statement, said, “I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I'm grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. We weren't even home as we had returned already to DC. One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I appreciate everyone&#39;s well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I&#39;m grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. We weren&#39;t even home as we had returned…&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2008188525162721647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Secret Service said that the home was empty when the incident occurred, and that the Vice President JD Vance and his family were not in Ohio at the time. The agency added that it is “working with the Cincinnati Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office as potential charges are being considered.” According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Vance, a former Ohio senator, purchased a residence in Cincinnati’s East Walnut Hills neighborhood in 2018 for $1.4 million.

The official confirmed that during the incident, the Vance family was not present and officials do not believe the person entered the vice the home of the VC president, according to preliminary reports.

One person has been arrested after an incident at US Vice-President JD Vance’s Ohio residence, according to a federal law enforcement source. The official added that during the incident, the Vance family was not present and officials do not believe the person entered the vice the home of the VC president, according to preliminary reports. Images carried by local media showed broken windows at the residence, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. A law enforcement official told CNN that officials are investigating whether the incident involved a deliberate attempt to target Vance or members of his family. Also Read: 'Transgender woman': 10 found guilty of harassing France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron online The US Vice President JD Vance, in a statement, said, “I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I'm grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. We weren't even home as we had returned already to DC. One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows.”

The official confirmed that during the incident, the Vance family was not present and officials do not believe the person entered the vice the home of the VC president, according to preliminary reports.

US Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio residence attacked, window smashed; suspect arrested

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration following the military operation of the US in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro, amid criticism that Washington had targeted the wrong source of illicit drug trafficking.&nbsp;Although the administration has accused the Maduro government of enabling drug flows into the United States, critics pointed to data showing that fentanyl, primarily trafficked from Mexico, accounts for the majority of drug-related deaths in the US, rather than cocaine originating from Venezuela.&nbsp;While clarifying following the criticism over Trump’s actions, JD Vance rejected the argument that Venezuela had nothing to do with drug trafficking simply because most fentanyl came from elsewhere. “First off, fentanyl isn’t the only drug in the world, and there is still fentanyl coming from Venezuela (or at least there was)," he said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">You see a lot claims that Venezuela has nothing to do with drugs because most of the fentanyl comes from elsewhere. I want to address this: First off, fentanyl isn&#39;t the only drug in the world and there is still fentanyl coming from Venezuela (or at least there was). Second,…&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2007840714575536279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Caracas had expropriated US oil property: Vance</h3>“Cocaine, which is the main drug trafficked out of Venezuela, is a profit centre for all of the Latin American cartels. If you cut out the money from cocaine (or even reduce it), you substantially weaken the cartels overall. Also, cocaine is bad too!" he added.&nbsp;He assured that the illegal trafficking of fentanyl from Mexico remains a main focus of the US policy towards the neighbouring country. Responding to allegations that the operation of America was to secure Venezuelan oil, Vance clarified that Caracas had expropriated US oil property around 2 decades ago and had later used that property to finance what he described as narco-terrorist activities.&nbsp;“I understand the anxiety over the use of military force, but are we just supposed to allow a communist to steal our stuff in our hemisphere and do nothing? Great powers don’t act like that. The United States, thanks to President Trump’s leadership, is a great power again. Everyone should take note," he added.

While clarifying after the criticism over Trump’s actions, JD Vance rejected the argument that Venezuela had nothing to do with drug trafficking, simply because most fentanyl came from elsewhere.

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration following the military operation of the US in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro, amid criticism that Washington had targeted the wrong source of illicit drug trafficking. Although the administration has accused the Maduro government of enabling drug flows into the United States, critics pointed to data showing that fentanyl, primarily trafficked from Mexico, accounts for the majority of drug-related deaths in the US, rather than cocaine originating from Venezuela. While clarifying following the criticism over Trump’s actions, JD Vance rejected the argument that Venezuela had nothing to do with drug trafficking simply because most fentanyl came from elsewhere. “First off, fentanyl isn’t the only drug in the world, and there is still fentanyl coming from Venezuela (or at least there was)," he said in a post on X.

While clarifying after the criticism over Trump’s actions, JD Vance rejected the argument that Venezuela had nothing to do with drug trafficking, simply because most fentanyl came from elsewhere.

'Venezuela is profit center for Latin American cartels': JD Vance defends US operation after Maduro’s capture

Linking the restrictions on the H-1B visa programme to Christian values, US Vice President JD Vance argued that allowing companies to hire foreign workers through visa programs can undercut wages and job opportunities for Americans. He explained that as per Christian values in politics, one must prioritise economic dignity of American labourers. Speaking at Turning Point USA’s annual convention, Vance also said that Christian values must inform the government’s broader approach to economics and labour, not just social issues. The US vice president said that immigration is a moral issue. Stating this as a premise, he defended&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-get-my-husband-s-friend-elected-erika-kirk-endorses-jd-vance-for-next-us-president-1766152118459"> ‘Get my husband’s friend elected’: Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for next US President</a>&nbsp;"A true Christian politics, it cannot just be about the protection of the unborn or the promotion of the family, as important as those things absolutely are. It must be at the heart of our full understanding of government," Vance said. Framing immigration and employment policy as a moral issue, Vance questioned why the administration has acted to penalise companies that move jobs overseas. “Why do we penalise corporations that ship American jobs overseas? Because we believe in the inherent dignity of human work and every person who works a good job in this country. Why have we worked, without the help of Congress, to restrict H-1B visas, for example? Because we believe it is wrong for companies to bypass American labour just to go for cheaper options in the third world," Vance explained. In the same event, Vance also said that the US will always be a ‘Christian nation’. “The only thing that is truly served as an anchor of the United States of America is that we have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation.”&nbsp;Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-can-eat-s-t-jd-vance-replies-to-haters-of-wife-usha-vance-calls-them-out-for-racist-remarks-1766420300685"> ‘Can eat s**t’: JD Vance replies to haters of wife Usha Vance, calls them out for racist remarks</a>&nbsp;Previously, Vance, in a response to racist remarks on his Indian-origin wife Usha, said, "Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s**t." He also said that antisemitism and all forms of ethnic hatred have no place in the conservative movement. This week, &nbsp;Erika Kirk, chief executive officer of Turning Point USA and widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vance for the 2028 presidential race. &nbsp;Placing Vance as the natural successor to the political movement her husband helped build, Erika, while opening Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, said, "We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance said limiting H-1B visas reflects Christian moral values, arguing immigration and labour policy should protect American workers’ dignity. Speaking at Turning Point USA, he stressed faith should guide economic decisions, not just social issues.

Linking the restrictions on the H-1B visa programme to Christian values, US Vice President JD Vance argued that allowing companies to hire foreign workers through visa programs can undercut wages and job opportunities for Americans. He explained that as per Christian values in politics, one must prioritise economic dignity of American labourers. Speaking at Turning Point USA’s annual convention, Vance also said that Christian values must inform the government’s broader approach to economics and labour, not just social issues. The US vice president said that immigration is a moral issue. Stating this as a premise, he defended Also Read | ‘Get my husband’s friend elected’: Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for next US President "A true Christian politics, it cannot just be about the protection of the unborn or the promotion of the family, as important as those things absolutely are. It must be at the heart of our full understanding of government," Vance said. Framing immigration and employment policy as a moral issue, Vance questioned why the administration has acted to penalise companies that move jobs overseas. “Why do we penalise corporations that ship American jobs overseas? Because we believe in the inherent dignity of human work and every person who works a good job in this country. Why have we worked, without the help of Congress, to restrict H-1B visas, for example? Because we believe it is wrong for companies to bypass American labour just to go for cheaper options in the third world," Vance explained. In the same event, Vance also said that the US will always be a ‘Christian nation’. “The only thing that is truly served as an anchor of the United States of America is that we have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation.” Also Read | ‘Can eat s**t’: JD Vance replies to haters of wife Usha Vance, calls them out for racist remarks Previously, Vance, in a response to racist remarks on his Indian-origin wife Usha, said, "Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s**t." He also said that antisemitism and all forms of ethnic hatred have no place in the conservative movement. This week, Erika Kirk, chief executive officer of Turning Point USA and widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vance for the 2028 presidential race. Placing Vance as the natural successor to the political movement her husband helped build, Erika, while opening Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, said, "We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible."

US Vice President JD Vance said limiting H-1B visas reflects Christian moral values, arguing immigration and labour policy should protect American workers’ dignity. Speaking at Turning Point USA, he stressed faith should guide economic decisions, not just social issues.

'Cheaper options in the third world...': JD Vance links H-1B visa restrictions by Trump administration to 'Christian values'

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday responded to the viral photo, which alleged that he was engaged in a blow-up with his wife, Usha Vance, in a restaurant. The picture was circulating all over social media on Tuesday. Vance shut down the rumour, calling the picture AI-generated. The image posted on Facebook shows JD Vance in an angry and animated look, and he appears to be reprimanding Usha Vance, who has lowered her head in embarrassment or disdain.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JD and Usha (allegedly) spotted having a loud argument at a restaurant recently <a href="https://t.co/zEFIVtg2sD">pic.twitter.com/zEFIVtg2sD</a>&mdash; Natalie Whittingham Burrell 🐥 (@natlawyerchic) <a href="https://twitter.com/natlawyerchic/status/1998088999844598140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I always wear an undershirt when I go out in public to have a fight loudly with my wife,” wrote Vance in a post on the social media platform X.The image quickly went viral after Thomas Clay Jr. an influencer who allegedly bust Republican dub a**es. According to Clay he did not create the picture. “it is impossible to discern when the boy who cried wolf is lying and telling the truth,” said Clay.JD Vance and his relationship with Usha Vance was under scrutiny following the viral hug between Erika Kirk and JD Vance. Since then JD Vance publicly expressed his wish for his hindu wife to convert to christianity. “Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way,” he said. Following the incident Usha Vance was spotted without her ring at Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, along with the first lady, Melania Trump, in Mid November. Rumours started to regurgitate that the pair was heading for a split. Last week, JD Vance in an interiview with NBC News discarded these claims saying that their marriage was “strong as ever”, he and his wife Usha Vance get a kick out of these rumours.&nbsp;

JD Vance denies a viral photo showing him arguing with his wife,  Usha, calling the image AI-generated as online rumours about their marriage intensify.

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday responded to the viral photo, which alleged that he was engaged in a blow-up with his wife, Usha Vance, in a restaurant. The picture was circulating all over social media on Tuesday. Vance shut down the rumour, calling the picture AI-generated. The image posted on Facebook shows JD Vance in an angry and animated look, and he appears to be reprimanding Usha Vance, who has lowered her head in embarrassment or disdain.

JD Vance denies a viral photo showing him arguing with his wife, Usha, calling the image AI-generated as online rumours about their marriage intensify.

JD Vance responds to allegations of berating Usha Vance in restaurant

The US Vice President JD Vance is being called out online for indirectly mocking his in-laws. He was discussing about American being concerned about neighbours not speaking the same language. He was pointing out the cultural difference that is evident due to the influx of migration that was allowed during the Biden Administration.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JD Vance: “It’s totally reasonable to not want neighbors who speak another language.” <a href="https://t.co/kGYublo8Qf">pic.twitter.com/kGYublo8Qf</a>&mdash; Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1997459825471746366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a podcast that has been widely circulated, US Vice President JD Vance is talking with the New York Post. Vance shared a ridiculous scenario, where 20 people move into a three-bedroom flat, have different cultures and speak totally different languages. "And recognising that their next-door neighbour is going to say, 'Well, wait a second, what's going on here, I don't know these people. They don't speak the same language as I do." Vance shares the concerns of the American who would want to live with a neighbour with whom they share similarities.&nbsp;People called out JD Vance for being racist. There are people within his family, like Usha Vance and Usha's parents, Krish and Lakshmi Chilukuri, who both immigrated to the US during the 1980s.&nbsp;Journalist Brian Allen posted, “This man is married to an Indian woman. He has mixed-race kids. And he’s out here pandering to people who would’ve side-eyed his own family at the mailbox. If he won’t defend them, he’ll sell out anyone - MAGA included.”Usha Vance's parents had their careers in America, and they are successful academics in their respective fields. Usha's mother, Dr Lakshmi Chilukuri, is a Molecular Biology professor in UC San Diego. Her father, Krish Chilukuri, works in Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University.Another man commented, “Dawg, your in-laws speak another language.”Since the video went viral, JD Vance responded to the tweet saying that the quote was completely false. He said that its reasonable to want to share a similarity in language with your neighbour, "How do you borrow a cup of sugar? Resolve disagreements? Have a nice conversation? You need a common language, and in America, that language is English." He accused the far left of being deranged and attacking people for wanting to speak the same language.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance is criticised online for comments about neighbours speaking different languages, with many pointing to his Indian in-laws and mixed-heritage family.

The US Vice President JD Vance is being called out online for indirectly mocking his in-laws. He was discussing about American being concerned about neighbours not speaking the same language. He was pointing out the cultural difference that is evident due to the influx of migration that was allowed during the Biden Administration.

US Vice President JD Vance is criticised online for comments about neighbours speaking different languages, with many pointing to his Indian in-laws and mixed-heritage family.

JD Vance slammed for indirectly mocking Usha Vance's parents

US Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at a a Christmas party, narrated an incident about US President Donald Trump's joke during an Oval Office meeting that he said was meant to “publicly embarrass” another politician. The Christmas party was held at Vance's residence to honour movie star Sylvester Stallone. Vance said that Trump made a joke about men’s anatomy relating to their shoe sizes. Netizens have reacted sharply as the video of Vance's anecdote surfaced on the internet. Vance is already facing the heat for saying that “mass migration is theft of American dream.”&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-and-erika-jd-vance-told-to-send-wife-kids-back-to-india-after-remark-on-mass-migration-1765188635575">'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration'</a>&nbsp;“People often ask me what it's like to be the Vice President of the United States. And a lot of that is exactly what you’d expect it to look like…but sometimes you get these behind-the-scenes moments that I will never, ever forget for the rest of my life,” Vance said, narrating about the Ovel Office meeting. Vance said that while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump and he were discussing some “really, really important” matter in the office, Trump peered over the Resolute Desk to tell Vance and Rubio that they have “s****y shoes.” The vice president revealed that Trump pulled out a shoe catalogue and said, ”We got to get you better shoes."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-responds-usha-vance-missing-wedding-ring-erika-kirk-hug-rumours-1765004063383">JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring</a>&nbsp;Trump then went on to ask them about their shoe sizes. According to Vance, Trump said, “Marco, what’s your shoe size? JD, what’s your shoe size?” Vance then revealed that Macro's size is 11 and his is 13. The vice president added, “Then [Trump] asked this politician, who I won’t embarrass, what his shoe size is, and he says: ‘Seven.’" Vance continued, “The President, he kind of leans back in his chair and says, ‘You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.’” Vance then referenced his wife, Usha Vance, who was standing next to him and said, “We won’t ask the Second Lady for comment on that particular topic.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President JD Vance just dropped a hilarious Oval Office story leaving the entire room cracking up. President Trump glanced over the Resolute Desk at VP Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio and said, “You guys have shitty shoes.” Right then and there, Trump pulled out a shoe… <a href="https://t.co/3Z2xyh9MZK">pic.twitter.com/3Z2xyh9MZK</a>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1997132492747227450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Vice President JD Vance recounted a humorous Oval Office moment where US President Donald Trump joked about men’s shoe sizes. However, the incident has gone viral on internet with netizens claiming that the joke was misplaced and crude

US Vice President JD Vance, while speaking at a a Christmas party, narrated an incident about US President Donald Trump's joke during an Oval Office meeting that he said was meant to “publicly embarrass” another politician. The Christmas party was held at Vance's residence to honour movie star Sylvester Stallone. Vance said that Trump made a joke about men’s anatomy relating to their shoe sizes. Netizens have reacted sharply as the video of Vance's anecdote surfaced on the internet. Vance is already facing the heat for saying that “mass migration is theft of American dream.” Also Read | 'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration' “People often ask me what it's like to be the Vice President of the United States. And a lot of that is exactly what you’d expect it to look like…but sometimes you get these behind-the-scenes moments that I will never, ever forget for the rest of my life,” Vance said, narrating about the Ovel Office meeting. Vance said that while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump and he were discussing some “really, really important” matter in the office, Trump peered over the Resolute Desk to tell Vance and Rubio that they have “s****y shoes.” The vice president revealed that Trump pulled out a shoe catalogue and said, ”We got to get you better shoes." Also Read: JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring Trump then went on to ask them about their shoe sizes. According to Vance, Trump said, “Marco, what’s your shoe size? JD, what’s your shoe size?” Vance then revealed that Macro's size is 11 and his is 13. The vice president added, “Then [Trump] asked this politician, who I won’t embarrass, what his shoe size is, and he says: ‘Seven.’" Vance continued, “The President, he kind of leans back in his chair and says, ‘You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.’” Vance then referenced his wife, Usha Vance, who was standing next to him and said, “We won’t ask the Second Lady for comment on that particular topic.”

Vice President JD Vance recounted a humorous Oval Office moment where US President Donald Trump joked about men’s shoe sizes. However, the incident has gone viral on internet with netizens claiming that the joke was misplaced and crude

'Can tell a lot about a man...': Vance narrates Trump's crude joke about 's****y shoes and 'size,' embarrasses wife Usha

US Vice President JD Vance's comment on 'mass migration' has sparked widespread debate on internet with people targeting him and reminding him that his wife is the daughter of Indian immigrants. JD Vance took to social media platform X on Dec 7 and said that mass migration is a "theft of American Dream." He was commenting on a post that suggested that immigration crackdown has helped Americans. He said that those in favour of the "old system" are the ones getting rick because of it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-responds-usha-vance-missing-wedding-ring-erika-kirk-hug-rumours-1765004063383">JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring</a>&nbsp;In a sharp criticism, people on internet reminded him of his wife - Usha Vance - who is first Asian American and first Hindu American second lady of the United States. They said that if Vance is against immigration, he should first send his children and wife to India. Others also mentioned Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, while mocking JD Vance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/https-yournewswebsite-com-trump-hates-jd-vance-slip-gop-fallout-1764738933835">Trump calls Vice President JD Vance 'incompetent' in barely intelligible rant</a>&nbsp;"Wait, isn’t your wife Indian from an immigrant family?" an user said. "Ok, send your wife and kids back to India and we'll believe you mean it. You and the orange turd are married to immigrants, and Barron is literally an anchor baby. You and Ericka gonna get together. Bad look to your racist base that hates brown people, so you'll dump Usha," one user said. “That means you have to send Usha, her Indian family, and your biracial kids back to India. Let us know when buy the plane tickets. You must lead by example,” another said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently, several rumours about tensions in JD and Usha's marriage floated after his hug with Erika went viral. The US Vice President opened up about his marriage, “I think that we kind of get a kick out of it…With anything in life, you take the good with the bad. You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too. But our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been, and I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance has been trolled on internet for his recent comments on mass migration. Netizens have reminded him of his wife Usha Vance - who is a daughter of immigrants and have also commented on Erika Kirk

US Vice President JD Vance's comment on 'mass migration' has sparked widespread debate on internet with people targeting him and reminding him that his wife is the daughter of Indian immigrants. JD Vance took to social media platform X on Dec 7 and said that mass migration is a "theft of American Dream." He was commenting on a post that suggested that immigration crackdown has helped Americans. He said that those in favour of the "old system" are the ones getting rick because of it. Also Read: JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring In a sharp criticism, people on internet reminded him of his wife - Usha Vance - who is first Asian American and first Hindu American second lady of the United States. They said that if Vance is against immigration, he should first send his children and wife to India. Others also mentioned Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, while mocking JD Vance. Also Read: Trump calls Vice President JD Vance 'incompetent' in barely intelligible rant "Wait, isn’t your wife Indian from an immigrant family?" an user said. "Ok, send your wife and kids back to India and we'll believe you mean it. You and the orange turd are married to immigrants, and Barron is literally an anchor baby. You and Ericka gonna get together. Bad look to your racist base that hates brown people, so you'll dump Usha," one user said. “That means you have to send Usha, her Indian family, and your biracial kids back to India. Let us know when buy the plane tickets. You must lead by example,” another said. Recently, several rumours about tensions in JD and Usha's marriage floated after his hug with Erika went viral. The US Vice President opened up about his marriage, “I think that we kind of get a kick out of it…With anything in life, you take the good with the bad. You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too. But our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been, and I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."

US Vice President JD Vance has been trolled on internet for his recent comments on mass migration. Netizens have reminded him of his wife Usha Vance - who is a daughter of immigrants and have also commented on Erika Kirk

'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration'

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