Vance Rebukes Reporter, Backs Trump on Iran Strikes
In the Oval Office on Monday, Vice President JD Vance denied a rift with President Trump over Iran, defended strikes that began Feb. 28, and accepted leadership of a new anti-fraud task force.
Breitbart NewsEstablishment Media Lie About JD Vance's Whereabouts amid Iran War
Daily BeastVance Cornered on War Hate In Front of Trigger-Happy Trump
The Post MillennialVance slams media for trying to divide him and Trump over Iran
RedStateWatch As Trump, Vance Stand United on Iran: 'If They Had a Nuclear Weapon, They Would Use It'
Overview
At an Oval Office event on Monday, Vice President JD Vance accused a reporter of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump while defending the administration's military action against Iran.
The exchange followed reporting that Vance had been skeptical about strikes that began on Feb. 28 and came as the U.S. campaign, called Operation Epic Fury, continues to target Iran's military capabilities.
Critics and some former officials said Vance had kept a low profile, while allies highlighted that he held seven public events in 17 days and attended a March 2 interview and a March 7 dignified transfer.
Reports say Operation Epic Fury has dismantled Iran's navy and much of its ballistic missile program and has produced repeated casualties, including the first six U.S. servicemembers killed.
Vance used the Oval Office appearance to accept leadership of a new anti-fraud task force, a role Democrats have called "fraud czar," amid dozens of indictments tied to alleged fraud in Minnesota.
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
FAQ
Operation Epic Fury is a U.S.-led military campaign launched on February 28, 2026, targeting Iran's military capabilities including IRGC command centers, air defenses, ballistic missile sites, navy ships, and drone launchers to dismantle its ability to project power.
The objectives include destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and production, annihilating its navy, preventing nuclear weapon development, and neutralizing its ability to fund and direct terrorist proxies.
The operation has struck over 5,500 targets, dismantled Iran's navy including entire classes of warships like Soleimani-class, degraded ballistic missile programs, reduced missile and drone salvos by 70-85%, and caused significant casualties.
Vice President JD Vance denied any rift with President Trump over the Iran strikes, accused the reporter of trying to drive a wedge between them, and defended the military actions amid reports of his initial skepticism.
JD Vance accepted leadership of a new anti-fraud task force during the Oval Office event, dubbed 'fraud czar' by Democrats, amid dozens of indictments related to alleged fraud in Minnesota.
