Vice President J.D. Vance outlined his approach to Israel and combating antisemitism during a closed-door event with Jewish conservatives in Las Vegas on Monday evening, according to audio of his remarks obtained by The New York Times.
Speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition, an organization of conservative Jewish donors and activists, Vance faced questions about his associations with media figures like Tucker Carlson, whose commentary has raised concerns among some Jewish audiences.
Norm Coleman, a former Minnesota senator and RJC chair, questioned Vance about the role of podcasters such as Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Joe Rogan, and Nick Fuentes, whom he accused of amplifying antisemitic views.
Vance acknowledged divergent views on these figures, noting that some have appeared on his preferred platforms. He distinguished between Rogan and Fuentes, stating, “One is a comedian who stumbles into discussing ideas sometimes, and the other is someone who actively promotes harmful ideologies.” He added he would engage with Rogan’s arguments but declined to do the same with Fuentes, citing personal attacks on his family and Hitler-apologist views.
The obtained recordings show Vance emphasizing the need to explain the U.S.-Israel partnership through shared strategic interests, particularly addressing generational skepticism among younger Americans. “We must clarify why this relationship serves American security and prosperity,” he asserted.
