Susie Wiles knew about Vance’s post blaming GOP midterms disaster on Iran days before being axed by Trump

Vice President JD Vance spent the closing weeks of the midterm campaign promoting his own priorities rather than the president's, and after Republicans lost control of Congress he publicly blamed the war in Iran. His social media post urged a quick end to the fighting, a focus on affordability, and a rethink of foreign relations, including ties with Israel. It was the first time he had openly called for the war to stop, according to The Independent.

Two sources told The Independent the earlier shift was deliberate: in six speeches since the September convention, Vance stressed economic nationalism, restraint abroad and public safety while avoiding deportations, Iran and mentions of Donald Trump. Three people familiar with the matter said the post was not a rupture, and that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles knew of it in advance. Even so, Trump swapped her out for Stephen Miller on Friday. Trump, who conceded that high gas prices hurt his party, said he "would have done nothing different."

Donald Trump Jr. backed Vance's comments. Strategist Michael Ricci said Vance was using his office to shape the debate, though Vance has not said whether he will run in 2028.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →