Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Senator JD Vance made headlines on Saturday when he refrained from labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin as an “enemy,” instead referring to him as an “adversary” and a “competitor.” The former President Donald Trump’s running mate emphasized the importance of smart diplomacy in engaging with those we may not necessarily like. Vance highlighted the necessity of engaging in diplomatic negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

During an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Vance responded to questions regarding his views on Putin, emphasizing the need for negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and NATO allies in Europe to work towards resolving the conflict. He also addressed comments made by former Vice President Mike Pence about loyalty to the Constitution, reaffirming his loyalty to the American people and the United States Constitution.

In a separate interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Vance discussed Trump’s commitment to upholding the Constitution if elected for a third time, expressing confidence in Trump’s belief in the American Constitution. Vance reiterated his loyalty to the American people and the Constitution, advocating for policies that benefit all Americans.

Vance faced criticism from former members of Trump’s administration, including John Kelly and Mark Milley, with Vance defending Trump’s record of delivering peace and prosperity during his presidency. He also accused Vice President Kamala Harris of using the Justice Department to target political opponents, a claim that did not have evidence to support it. Despite pushback, Vance stood by his statement and criticized the current Department of Justice’s actions under Harris and President Joe Biden.

In his conversation with Welker, Vance dismissed Kelly as a “disgruntled ex-employee,” highlighting that many who worked closely with Trump support him. Vance’s statements shed light on his perspectives on diplomacy, loyalty, and political targeting, showcasing his stance on key issues impacting the country.