JD Vance Defends Israel Stance in 40-Minute RJC Remarks as Antisemitism Concerns Persist
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 1
JD Vance Defends Israel Stance in 40-Minute RJC Remarks as Antisemitism Concerns Persist
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 1
Summary
At a closed-door Las Vegas meeting, JD Vance used roughly 40 minutes of remarks to reassure Republican Jewish Coalition members about his approach to Israel and antisemitism.
Pressed about podcasters accused of platforming antisemitism, Vance drew a line between Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes, calling Rogan someone worth engaging but saying he would not speak to Fuentes, who praised Hitler and attacked his wife.
Vance also addressed what he called an "elephant in the room"—growing suspicion among young Americans toward the U.S.-Israel relationship—and argued supporters must make a concrete U.S. national-interest case for the alliance.
The appearance followed criticism from Jewish conservatives over Vance's foreign-policy leanings and ties to Tucker Carlson, making the RJC gathering an effort to shore up trust as his national profile rises.