Vance, Tapper spar over ex-Trump administration officials, military comments

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the Republican vice presidential nominee, joined CNN’s “State of the Union” and spent nearly the entire interview in disagreement with host Jake Tapper.

Tapper asked Vance about the recent remarks from retired Gen. John Kelly, who claimed Trump “falls into the general definition” of fascist. Kelly served in the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration and said the former president praised Adolf Hitler’s generals for their loyalty.

Vance joined the show to dispute Kelly’s comments.

“I actually think there’s an interesting conversation here to have, Jake, which is, why does John Kelly not support Donald Trump? It’s about policy, it’s not about personality,” Vance said.

Tapper interjected to note that Kelly has said he agrees with Trump on most policies.

“He disagrees with Trump on how Trump views his role and his and the fascism and the authoritarian,” Tapper said.

“I don’t buy that, Jake, I don’t buy that,” Vance responded.

The two continued to argue over Kelly’s comments. Vance argued that Kelly is in communication with Vice President Harris’s campaign and that the remarks are part of an election effort.

The Republican candidate then defended Trump’s military record, saying he is the candidate who “wants peace through strength.”

They disagreed over ex-Trump administration officials, like former Vice President Mike Pence and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who have also spoken out against Trump.

Officials have raised the alarm after Trump has repeatedly claimed he will use the U.S. military to go after his political enemies. On CNN, Vance said Trump “did not say” the enemy is American.

The two continued to argue for the duration of the interview over Trump’s claims and the former officials who have come out against the former president.