US Vice President JD Vance faced harsh criticism regarding the domestic and foreign policies of the Donald Trump administration at the voter meeting broadcast on CBS News on Saturday evening, October 17.
Answering questions from voters in the state of Michigan, Vance was asked questions about the cost of the Iran war, rising fuel prices, practices against immigrants, the environmental effects of data centers and Trump's business activities.
According to the Associated Press (AP), some voters who stated that they voted for Trump and Vance in the 2024 elections also expressed their discomfort with the administration's policies.
DIFFICULT QUESTION FROM THE WIFE OF THE SOLDIER WHO DIED IN IRAN
One of the most striking moments of the program was the question of Joey Amor, the wife of Staff Sergeant Nicole Amor, who lost her life in the Iranian drone attack on the American military facility in Kuwait on March 1.
Amor, who lost her husband in the attack in which six American soldiers lost their lives, accused the military administration of not taking the necessary security measures.
Amor argued that her husband's death was caused not only by the Iranian attack but also by the mistakes made by the American army, and asked how those responsible would be held accountable.
Vance stated that this was the first time he had heard some of the allegations made about the attack and said, "This is really the first time I have heard this."
The Vice President stated that some information did not reach them due to their duties and said, "This duty is a great honor, but in a way you live disconnected from the outside world and sometimes the information does not reach the top."
'WE REALIZED THAT A HUGE MISTAKE WAS MADE'
Following questions about the soldiers who lost their lives in the Iranian attack, Vance admitted that mistakes were made in some of the decisions of the US military.
Stating that incorrect assessments were made about the regions where military personnel were deployed, Vance said, "There were problems where we realized that we had made a huge mistake regarding the places where the soldiers were located. We could do better and we changed it."
Vance said that some practices for the protection of military units were reviewed after the attacks.
REACTION TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER FUEL PRICES
The effects of the Iran war on the US economy were also brought to the agenda in the program.
A voter, who stated that he voted for Trump and Vance in the 2024 elections but plans to support Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in the upcoming Senate elections, criticized the administration for rising gas prices.
While Vance admitted that fuel prices were high, he argued that the main reason for this was the developments in the Middle East.
Accusing Iran of trying to block global energy supply, Vance said that the Trump administration has taken various measures to reduce prices.
Claiming that the US's oil refinery capacity has weakened during the reign of former President Joe Biden, Vance stated that the focus should be on solving current problems.
When voters brought up the current responsibility of the Trump administration, which started the Iran war, Vance argued that solutions should be sought for current problems rather than accusations of past events.
HE DEFENDED HIS IMMIGRANT POLICIES, ADMITTED MISTAKES
The Trump administration's harsh practices against immigrants were also among the controversial topics of the program.
A Catholic nun asked Vance how practices such as the separation of immigrant families and the removal of children from their parents were compatible with the values of the faith.
Vance argued that they were trying to strike a balance between ensuring border security and providing humane treatment to immigrants.
Accepting that some immigration officers can make mistakes, Vance said that such incidents are investigated, some officers are given additional training and disciplinary penalties are imposed.
IMMIGRANT VOTERS TO VANCE: 'YOU ARE MAKING US RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEMS'
Another voter who spoke in the program stated that he immigrated to the United States five years ago and voted for Vance after gaining American citizenship.
The voter criticized Vance's language about H-1B work visa holders, saying immigrants were blamed for problems the administration should be solving.
Vance, on the other hand, acknowledged that the tone of his statements might be flawed and argued that his criticisms were not directed at immigrant workers, but at companies that exploit them.
TRUMP'S COMMERCIAL EARNINGS WERE ALSO ASKED ABOUT
The moderator of the program, Tony Dokoupil, also brought up Trump's earnings from the cryptocurrency industry during his presidency and the allegations of ethical violations against some members of the administration.
Financial statements were reminded that Trump earned approximately $1.2 billion in income from his cryptocurrency activities last year.
Vance argued that there is corruption in Washington but that he has not seen any evidence that Trump is involved in such activities.
Describing it as unacceptable to provide benefits in exchange for access to the White House, Vance said, "If someone is selling access to the White House, this is a disgusting and despicable act. He should bear the consequences."
HE LEFT THE DOOR OPEN FOR THE 2028 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Vance was also asked whether he would run in the 2028 presidential election.
Stating that there is a possibility that he will not participate in the presidential race, Vance said that he has not yet made a final decision regarding his political future.
Stating that he needed to evaluate with his family, Vance noted that he would not act in a hurry regarding the candidacy.
