Vice President JD Vance expressed support for Trump’s legal authority to deploy the National Guard to combat crime but emphasized the administration’s preference for collaboration with local leaders. In an exclusive USA TODAY interview, he reassured that the National Guard’s presence in cities wouldn’t be permanent, indicating that they do not intend to maintain long-term deployments, particularly in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
Vance reflected on his experience in the Oval Office and praised Trump’s redecorating choices, noting the need for a lighter atmosphere befitting the office of the leader of the free world. He described a contentious exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting, acknowledging it wasn’t ideal but felt it illuminated key issues in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Addressing criticism surrounding Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, Vance defended the president’s authority to influence monetary policy and rejected the notion of a personal enemies list, arguing decisions are based on law rather than retaliation. He viewed Trump’s potential actions on the National Guard as both necessary for law enforcement and a response to urban safety concerns, despite potential backlash from local leaders.
Regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files, Vance denied that deploying the National Guard served as a distraction, asserting that the administration aims to be transparent. He expressed his readiness for future leadership while deflecting speculation about a presidential run in 2028, pointing to the importance of focusing on current responsibilities. Vance’s remarks highlight his commitment to supporting Trump’s approach while navigating the complexities of law enforcement, governance, and public perception.
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