In an interview with Fox News, US Vice President JD Vance harshly criticised what he said was the growing influence of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He claimed that "the far left has completely taken control of the party", mentioning individual names that he believes personify this trend. He also responded specifically to the public debate following the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

According to Vance, some Democrats, while not defending the murder, were "relativising" it with their statements by pointing to Kirk's controversial positions. Political violence can only be prevented, he said, if it is condemned without exception by leaders of both parties. However, he added that it is the progressive wing of the Democrats that rejects such unequivocal condemnation.

The Vice President repeatedly returned to the subject of young Americans who, in his view, tend towards radical ideologies. He claimed that the reason for this was the economic conditions under the previous administration. According to Vance, young people are facing increasing difficulties in building a stable life - from housing affordability to starting a family.

Donald Trump's administration, he said, is working to "rebuild the American dream" by lowering housing prices and improving economic opportunities. This, according to the vice president, is meant to be a path to "deradicalising" the younger generation.

Vance later moved on to foreign policy, which he identified as a key theme of the administration's first year. The moderator introduced a concept he called the "Trump Doctrine," combining the rejection of endless wars, the ability to identify threats, and at the same time building the world's strongest military.

Vance followed this up by adding that it is a combination of "strength and wisdom" and that this approach ensures stability at home and abroad. "Peace is achieved by force - if they know you can come, that's what the deterrent effect is," Vance said.

He also stressed that President Trump has not been afraid to negotiate even with leaders who are perceived as hostile in the U.S., including North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Vance, dialogue is essential to achieving peace, even when leaders fundamentally oppose each other. He criticised the "pressure from the Washington media", which he said determines who the US president can talk to.

"You don't have to agree with Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine, but if you want to achieve peace, you have to be strong. You also have to talk to the people. You have to engage in aggressive, active diplomacy," he said.

The vice president even suggested that the Trump Doctrine could shape American foreign policy for the next "40 to 50 years," much like the Monroe Doctrine did in the 19th century.

(mja)