In place of spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave, Vance answered questions from reporters for nearly an hour in a calmer tone that contrasted with Trump’s confrontational style.
He refused to rule out the possibility of taxpayer money being used to pay compensation to people convicted of assaulting police during the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. He also dismissed European concerns over Washington’s decision not to send new troops to Poland, calling them excessive.
He called the journalists’ claims that Trump’s recent purchase of shares could represent corruption “absurd”.
The briefing at the White House this month is increasingly seen as an unofficial stage for potential successors to Trump in the 2028 elections, writes Reuters.
Vance’s appearance came about two weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first briefing, adding to speculation about their political rivalry.
“Marco is right, this really is a mess,” Vance joked as reporters took questions.
When the reporter called him a “potential future candidate”, he corrected her.
“I’m not a potential future candidate. I’m the vice president and I’m doing my job to the best of my ability,” he said.
Vance, 41, a former Marine who has long opposed American involvement in foreign wars, said any escalation with Iran without a diplomatic solution would be in the interest of long-term American security.
“This is not an eternal war,” he said. “We’ll finish the job and go home.”
The conflict in Iran already has political ramifications for Vance and Rubio. Since the start of the conflict in late February, there has been a disruption in global oil trade and a rise in US fuel prices, raising concerns among Republicans ahead of the election.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, support for Donald Trump has fallen to one of its lowest levels since returning to the White House. About 34 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Vance, while for Marco Rubio, that number is 33 percent.
Although both have not publicly spoken about the 2028 election, Trump has continued to encourage discussions about possible successors, even asking guests at a recent White House dinner who they support more – Vance or Rubio, to loud applause from the audience.
Trump described both as “perfect” candidates for the upcoming election, but did not openly endorse either of them.
Rubio recently won praise for his performance at the White House, while a video of him speaking about America as the land of opportunity quickly went viral and further fueled speculation about his possible candidacy.
During the briefing, Vance also joked about his wife, Usha Vance, who is expecting their fourth child, saying he is ready to fill in for the spokeswoman until she gives birth in July.
(Vijesti.ba)
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