Trump Directs Vance to Focus on Alleged Domestic Corruption

President Donald Trump said on November 12 that he had directed Vice President JD Vance to focus on alleged corruption and crime in Democratic-run cities and states, adding that the United States did not need a deal with Iran. The post did not establish whether Vance’s role in Iran diplomacy or the administration’s negotiating approach had changed.

Trump’s message followed Vance’s online post after the midterm elections, in which he said the Iran war was the reason Republicans lost. Trump’s November 12 post said he had asked Vance to give his “complete and total attention” to corruption and crime in Democratic-run places. He added that “We dont need a deal with Iran,” and said the United States had the money and the Strait.

Trump also alleged that billions of dollars were being stolen each month in Democratic-run states and said correcting the alleged activity could balance the federal budget. Those claims were not independently substantiated in the reports. He named Minnesota, California and Illinois among the states he was criticizing.

The public direction came amid reports that Vance had taken part in indirect talks with Iran over a ceasefire and renewed nuclear negotiations....