‘Tucker is a friend,’ despite political disagreements, Vance says

U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended his friendship with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson at a White House press briefing, despite Carlson facing criticism for anti-Israel rhetoric and an interview with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. Vance stated, "Tucker is a friend despite the fact that we disagree on a number of things, and I'm not gonna play the game where I throw friends under the bus because I have political disagreements." He emphasized that Americans should not end friendships over political differences, arguing that the republic depends on people with different perspectives being able to communicate. Vance also recalled personal attacks on his family during the 2024 campaign, lamenting how political disagreements define friendships. He previously addressed these concerns privately with Jewish Republicans at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual summit, drawing a line at a "blood-guilt attitude" but not explicitly condemning Carlson. Vance's defense of Carlson could become a factor in a potential 2028 Republican presidential primary, with rivals like Sen. Ted Cruz having criticized Carlson.