Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance recently defended former President Donald Trump’s controversial statements about using the U.S. military against the “enemy from within.” Vance, a staunch Trump ally, explained that the former president “speaks from the heart,” and that his unfiltered approach resonates with many Americans.
In an interview on Fox News, Vance addressed Trump’s repeated claims about deploying military forces to combat what he calls “radical left lunatics” and domestic threats. Host Bill Hemmer asked Vance directly why Trump continues to reference such extreme measures, particularly in the context of U.S. elections.
“My question is, why is it necessary?” Hemmer inquired, questioning the rationale behind Trump’s strong language. Vance, who has stood by Trump throughout his campaign, offered a defense. “Well, Bill, first of all, Donald Trump is unfiltered,” he began. “I think one of the reasons why the campaign has gone well is because he’s not doing a basement campaign strategy.”
The Ohio senator elaborated, suggesting that Trump’s candid and direct style is part of his appeal. “He’s not just running on slogans,” Vance added. “When people ask him questions, he speaks from the heart. And sometimes that means he’s going to talk about issues that the mainstream media isn’t focused on.”
Trump’s remarks, which many critics see as inflammatory, have sparked debate about the appropriateness of using the military to address internal political disagreements. However, Vance contended that the former president’s words were being taken out of context and exaggerated by his opponents, reported Axios.
In a previous statement, Vance reiterated that Trump’s comments were misunderstood and misrepresented. “I think the mainstream media often twists what Donald Trump says to fit a particular narrative,” Vance said. “He’s not calling for a military takeover or anything like that, but he’s expressing concern about the state of our country and the threats we face from within.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump’s rhetoric, Vance emphasized that the former president’s campaign is doing well, partly due to his refusal to play by traditional political rules. “Donald Trump is not someone who hides in a basement and waits for polls to tell him what to say,” Vance noted, taking a jab at politicians who run more conventional, cautious campaigns. “He’s out there, meeting with people, answering questions, and speaking directly to the issues that matter most to Americans.”
Vance’s defense of Trump comes as the former president’s comments about the military and domestic enemies have drawn both support and criticism from various quarters. While some see his remarks as dangerous and divisive, others believe they reflect Trump’s genuine concerns about the direction of the country.
As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over Trump’s polarizing rhetoric is likely to continue. However, Vance made it clear that, in his view, Trump’s straightforward and unfiltered approach is a strength, not a weakness. “When you have someone who speaks from the heart like Donald Trump, people know they’re getting the real deal,” Vance concluded. “He’s not afraid to say what he thinks, and that’s why he’s connecting with voters.”