Vice President JD Vance brought a dose of humor to a White House press briefing Thursday as he pushed back against critics questioning his experience with difficult negotiations, joking that a recent appearance on ABC’s The View had given him all the preparation he needed.
Vance made the remarks one day after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding related to the Iran conflict, a deal that has generated significant political discussion in Washington and beyond.
Addressing reporters, Vance said he had seen progressive critics challenge his credentials when it comes to handling high-pressure diplomatic situations.
“I have seen some progressive criticisms of me personally saying, ‘What experience does the vice president of the United States have with hostile, high-stakes negotiations?’” Vance said.
The vice president then pointed to his appearance on The View earlier in the week, drawing laughter with a tongue-in-cheek response.
“I would point those progressive critics to the fact that just two days ago, I spent over an hour on The View,” Vance said. “So I actually have great experience in very hostile negotiations.”
He continued the joke by singling out co-host Joy Behar.
“Joy Behar is way tougher than the Iranians,” Vance said. “And she and I are best friends now.”
The remarks referenced Vance’s Tuesday appearance on the daytime talk show, where he was promoting his new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith. During the interview, Vance sparred with Behar and other panelists over the economy, inflation, and comments made by President Trump earlier this month.
One of the most contentious exchanges centered on affordability and the administration’s handling of economic issues.
Behar argued that Trump had dismissed affordability concerns and questioned spending priorities associated with projects connected to the White House.
“Everybody knows that Americans are struggling,” Behar told Vance, asking why resources were being devoted to those initiatives.
Vance responded by defending Trump’s earlier remarks, arguing that the president had not dismissed affordability concerns themselves but rather rejected the claim that Republicans were responsible for creating the problem.
“What the president said is the idea that Republicans caused the affordability problem is a hoax,” Vance replied. “And I think that’s true.”
The discussion became more heated when co-host Ana Navarro brought up Trump’s recent statement that he “loves the inflation,” a comment that has drawn criticism from opponents.
Vance pushed back on that characterization, arguing that Trump’s remarks were being interpreted incorrectly.
“What he said, Ana, is that he loves the fact that the inflation is going to come down when this war is over,” Vance said. “That’s what he said.”
Behar immediately challenged that explanation.
“That’s not what he said, but that’s all right,” she responded. “Are you his interpreter or are you his vice president?”
The exchange highlighted the often combative atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Vance’s television appearances, particularly when discussing the administration’s economic message and foreign policy.
Despite the spirited debate, the tone appeared to soften after the interview. Hours later, Behar spoke about Vance on The View’s Behind the Table podcast and offered a more measured assessment.
According to Behar, she does not view the vice president as a “bad guy.” She also said it would be “interesting” to watch Vance face off against a Democrat such as California Governor Gavin Newsom in a potential 2028 presidential contest.
For now, Vance appears content to use the encounter as evidence of his ability to navigate tense political exchanges. Whether discussing domestic policy on daytime television or defending the administration’s approach to international conflicts, the vice president suggested that surviving an hour on The View may be tougher than many people think.
[READ MORE: Trump Fires Back at Iran Deal Critics, Points to Markets and Lower Gas Prices as Signs of Success]
