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Vice President JD Vance affirmed that President Trump “has the legal authority to deploy the National Guard to fight crime,” while emphasizing the administration’s preference for collaboration with local leaders. The remarks came during an extensive interview with USA TODAY where Vance also addressed the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, a contentious exchange with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, and speculation about his own future political aspirations.
Vance, one of the youngest vice presidents in American history at 41, described his first 200 days in office as a period of “on-the-job training,” acknowledging the whirlwind pace and high stakes of the Trump administration. He indicated a willingness to step into the presidency should the need arise, stating, “God forbid there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days.”
National Guard Deployments: A Balancing Act
The deployment of the National Guard in cities like Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles has drawn criticism from some Democrats, who have labeled the move authoritarian. Vance predicted further deployments would likely elicit similar reactions, but suggested the administration is receiving a different message privately.
“These people, mayors or local governors stand up and say, ‘We don’t want the National Guard. This is a dictatorship. Trump is a fascist.’ Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,” Vance stated. He continued, “We don’t want people to stand up before a press conference and accuse the president of being a fascist, accuse the National Guard of being part of some dictatorial coup when in private they’re actually thanking us for bringing law and order back to these communities.”
While asserting Trump’s legal authority to deploy the Guard, Vance underscored the administration’s desire for cooperation. “What the president has said is, if these local mayors and if the local governors want help, he is more than willing to provide it,” he explained. “I think that he could provide it even without their request. But fundamentally, the president, I think right now what he said is: We want to work together with these localities.” He affirmed that Guard deployments would not be indefinite, stating, “We don’t want indefinitely to put national guardsmen on the streets of our cities. We just want to make those streets more safe.”
The interview also touched upon two particularly sensitive issues: the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files and a highly publicized confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance disputed the notion that deploying the National Guard was a distraction from scrutiny surrounding the Epstein case. “You don’t have to do one of these things or the other. So I don’t think that it’s a distraction, especially when I think the president has ordered the administration to be more transparent about this than any other issue,” he said.
Despite initial reluctance to fully release the documents, the Justice Department is now turning over records under congressional subpoena, after a systematic review revealed “no incriminating ‘client list.’” Vance acknowledged criticism from supporters regarding the administration’s response, but maintained that a comprehensive review demonstrates increased transparency.
Regarding the Oval Office exchange with Zelenskyy, which occurred in February, Vance admitted it “wasn’t necessarily” how he wanted the meeting to unfold. However, he argued that the disagreement “elucidated some of the real issues of disagreement between the United States side and the Ukrainian side” and was “useful for the American people to see.” He added that the administration remains aligned with Zelenskyy on the goal of securing peace, despite differing approaches. Trump has previously suggested a “land swap” as a potential path to ending the war.
Eyes on the Future: 2028 and Beyond
President Trump has publicly identified Vance as a likely successor and heir to the MAGA movement. However, Vance continues to downplay speculation about a potential presidential run in 2028, stating he and his wife, Usha, are focused on his current role. “And if that door opens later on, we’ll figure it out then.”
Vance also addressed concerns about Trump’s health, asserting that the president is in “incredibly good health” and expects him to serve a full term. He also offered a lighthearted comment on the engagement of Taylor Swift to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, congratulating the couple and expressing a hope for a neutral NFL season. “I’m a romantic,” Vance said. “When I see two people who are in love getting married, I just wish them the best, and I congratulate ’em, and I hope they have a very long and healthy and happy life together.” However, as a Cincinnati Bengals fan, he added, “But I do not want to see a Super Bowl wedding thing this season.”
The vice president also firmly denied claims that Trump maintains an “enemies list,” stating, “Not at all.” He defended Trump’s actions targeting political opponents, arguing they are driven by “facts and the law.” He also took issue with those questioning the president’s authority to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, asserting that the elected president should have input on monetary policy.
Vance’s first seven months in office have been marked by a willingness to engage in direct and often unconventional political battles, signaling a potentially significant role in shaping the future direction of the Trump administration and the broader American political landscape.
