Trending Now - JD Vance Faces Backlash Over Controversial Remarks Amid Trump's Shadow
WHO:
JD Vance, Vice President of the United States
Dace Potas, conservative columnist for USA Today
Laura Loomer, far-right influencer
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, conservative columnist Dace Potas
Laura Loomer, far-right influencer
WHAT:
Vance stated, “We actually worked with a lot of our allies all over the world, who are suffering from this, frankly, more than we are because unlike the United States, where we pursued an energy dominance agenda, you've got a lot of people all over the world who have focused on a lot of green energy scams, and they're hurting a lot more than we are.”
Vance's estimated net worth is $12 million.
JD Vance attempted to downplay voter fears over rising gas prices caused by Trump's military actions in Iran.
Gas prices rose to $3.89 per gallon on March 18th, 2026, up from $2.97 on February 28th, 2026.
Diesel prices topped $6 per gallon in some states.
A barrel of Brent crude surged from approximately $70 to $111.45 on March 18th, 2026.
Trump issued a statement on Truth Social warning Iran against attacking Qatar, stating he would not hesitate to respond with violence.
Vance claimed the U.S. is better off than allies focused on green energy, stating, “We released hundreds of millions of barrels out of all these petroleum reserves so that we could put some downward pressure on prices.”
Dace Potas noted that Vance must defend an internationalist philosophy despite being linked to an isolationist rhetoric.
WHERE:
Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf
South Pars gas field, Iran
WHEN:
Vance made his remarks on March 18th, 2026.
March 18th, 2026 - Vance's remarks at a manufacturing facility
February 28th, 2026 - Date of gas price before the military assault
September 2023 - Previous high gas prices
March 2026 - Timeline of the ongoing conflict and its implications for the 2028 election
WHY:
Dace Potas noted that Trump’s military actions in Iran could create political problems for Vance in the 2028 presidential election due to his previous isolationist rhetoric.
Rising gas prices are attributed to Trump's military actions in Iran and the subsequent conflict affecting oil supply.
Vance's comments reflect an attempt to mitigate political fallout from the administration's actions ahead of the midterm elections in November 2026.
HOW:
Trump has been privately polling advisers, donors, and friends about the political strengths and weaknesses of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the 2028 election.
Vance attempted to reassure the public by stating, “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that they stay lower,” regarding gas prices.
Trump’s administration reportedly approved military actions in Iran, which have been questioned regarding prior knowledge of the strikes.
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 05:21 UTC)
On March 18, 2026, Vice President JD Vance addressed the challenges faced by global allies in energy, stating that many are suffering more than the U.S. due to their focus on what he called "green energy scams." Meanwhile, conservative columnist Dace Potas highlighted that Trump’s military actions in Iran could pose political challenges for Vance as he prepares for the 2028 presidential election, especially given Vance's past isolationist views. In the background, Trump has been quietly polling advisers and donors about the political dynamics between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they both eye the upcoming election.
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(UPDATED March 19, 2026 17:24 UTC)
In a recent statement, President Trump warned Iran against attacking Qatar, asserting he would respond with violence if necessary, as gas prices surged to $3.89 per gallon following military actions in the region. At a manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Vice President JD Vance attempted to downplay voter concerns about rising fuel costs, claiming that the U.S. is better off than allies focused on green energy and reassuring the public that they are doing everything possible to keep prices lower. Meanwhile, conservative columnist Dace Potas highlighted the challenge Vance faces in defending an internationalist stance amid the administration's isolationist rhetoric as the conflict continues to unfold ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.