Vice President JD Vance responded to questions regarding the administration’s immigration tactics, foreign policy, and ethics during a CBS News town hall that aired on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. During the event, Vance addressed specific criticisms concerning the war with Iran, domestic energy costs, and his past rhetoric regarding H-1B visa holders.
The town hall occurred as the administration faces scrutiny over a war with Iran launched by President Donald Trump. One participant, Joey Amor, questioned Vance about the deaths of six U.S. soldiers, including his wife, Master Sgt. Nicole Amor. The soldiers were killed on March 1 by an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait. Vance stated he was previously unaware of the specific event, citing a "bubble" that sometimes prevents information from reaching leadership, but he later acknowledged that troop placement issues were a mistake that has since been addressed.
Addressing high gasoline prices, Vance attributed the costs to Middle East instability and stated that the administration is working to lower them. He also cited a decrease in refining capacity during the Biden administration. When asked about the current administration's responsibility for the situation, Vance stated it was "easy to criticize something that happened seven months ago" and questioned what solutions opponents would offer for the present circumstances.
On immigration, Vance responded to a question from a nun regarding children who are separated from their parents during enforcement sweeps. He described the administration’s approach as a "work in progress" and acknowledged that mistakes occur. Vance noted that some cases have resulted in officer discipline or additional training, though he stated these actions are typically not publicized while investigations play out. He also addressed past comments regarding H-1B visa holders, stating his rhetoric was "imperfect" and that his criticism was intended for employers rather than the workers themselves.
Regarding ethics and potential conflicts of interest, moderator Tony Dokoupil asked about President Trump’s crypto businesses, which reportedly earned nearly $1.2 billion last year. Vance stated he had seen no evidence of the president profiting from his office. He also commented on the resignation of the ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, following denied allegations of leveraging her position. Vance said that "selling access to the White House" is "disgusting and despicable" and should result in consequences, but maintained he had not seen such behavior within the administration.