J.D. Vance Defends Friendship With Tucker Carlson Amid Israel Row

Vice President J.D. Vance defended his friendship with conservative podcaster and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson during a White House press briefing on Thursday. Vance rejected calls from some Republicans and Jewish conservatives to break ties with Carlson, who has faced allegations of antisemitism after hosting Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes and has criticized the Trump administration's approach to the war in Iran.

Vance stated he would not "throw friends under the bus" because of political disagreements, though he acknowledged that he and Carlson differ on several issues. Specifically, Vance criticized Carlson for supporting Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed over Republican Mike Rogers, calling El-Sayed a "crazy person."

While Vance affirmed his support for Israel and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley accused him of failing to take a clear stance. Haley argued that individuals cannot simultaneously belong to the "Tucker Carlson wing" and the "pro Israel wing" of the country, insisting that Vance must choose a side.