Vice President JD Vance stated on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that he will maintain his friendship with media personality Tucker Carlson despite Carlson's recent calls for President Donald Trump to be removed from office. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Vance acknowledged that Carlson has expressed views he disagrees with but said he would not "throw friends under the bus" due to political differences.
The comments follow statements made by Carlson during the week regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began earlier in 2026. Carlson said the president should be removed "immediately" for "actively considering" a preemptive nuclear strike. While Vance has reportedly been the most skeptical member of the Trump Cabinet regarding the war, he has not publicly criticized the conflict and used the briefing to distance himself from Carlson's rhetoric while defending their personal bond.
During the briefing, Vance specifically addressed Carlson's recent criticism of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan. Carlson stated on a podcast released Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that he would not vote for Rogers "at gunpoint" and described the campaign of Rogers' Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, as "Trumpian." Vance characterized El-Sayed as a "crazy person" and stated his preference for Rogers to represent Michigan.
Vance’s appearance marked the first White House briefing since the departure of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. In addition to discussing his relationship with Carlson, the Vice President addressed questions regarding U.S. pressure on Iran, including military, economic, and diplomatic options. He also noted that he was "looking forward to hanging out with Joe Biden" at an upcoming September 11 memorial ceremony.
Voters in Michigan are directly impacted by the split between these two figures regarding the state’s Senate race. Supporters of Mike Rogers see the Vice President's endorsement, while those influenced by Carlson's media platforms are hearing a rejection of the GOP candidate in favor of his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed. This disagreement between a high-ranking administration official and a prominent media ally could affect the messaging and resources available to the Rogers campaign as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
The exchange also sets a precedent for how the White House will manage communications during a vacancy in the Press Secretary role. By taking the podium himself, Vance has moved into a more direct public-facing role during a period of active war. This change in day-to-day operations at the White House means reporters and the public may receive policy updates directly from the Vice President rather than a career or political spokesperson. The next significant public event for the administration is the September 11 memorial ceremony, where Vance is scheduled to appear alongside former President Biden.