Overview
- Vance told reporters Thursday that Carlson is a friend he will not “throw under the bus,” repeating comments he made in a White House briefing where he said he disagreed with some of Carlson’s remarks but declined to condemn him.
- The vice president faced pointed questions after a private appearance before the Republican Jewish Coalition on Monday where he sought to reassure attendees on U.S. support for Israel but stopped short of distancing himself from Carlson.
- Carlson has intensified criticism of President Trump and has hosted or amplified figures accused of antisemitism, a record that has driven calls from multiple Republican lawmakers and Jewish conservatives for Vance to publicly disavow the commentator.
- GOP operatives and donors warn Vance’s refusal to break with Carlson could cost him support from influential Jewish backers and weaken his ability to unify the party if he pursues a 2028 presidential bid.
- The episode highlights a broader split inside the GOP over antisemitism and U.S. policy on Israel as party leaders weigh how close candidates can safely be to polarizing media figures without alienating key voters and funders.