JD Vance heckled over Middle East policy at Turning Point USA event

JTA — Vice President JD Vance was interrupted by anti-war hecklers during a Turning Point USA event yesterday, underscoring growing backlash over US policy in the Middle East among young Republicans.

“Jesus Christ does not support genocide,” one person shouted during the event at the University of Georgia. Shortly after, a voice yelled out, “You’re killing children! You’re bombing children!”

“I agree,” Vance responded. “Jesus Christ certainly does not support genocide, whoever yelled that out from the dark.”

But he said the audience should be thankful for the Trump administration’s negotiation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

“You know who’s the person who got a peace agreement in Gaza? Donald J. Trump,” Vance said. “So if you want to complain about what happened in Gaza, why don’t you complain about Joe Biden and the last administration? We’re the administration that solved that problem.”

Vance also addressed criticism of the Iran war later in his remarks during the evening. “I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK,” he said, adding, “I understand.”

The incident at Turning Point USA, an influential youth organization in conservative politics that was founded by Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was killed last September, comes as the Republican party has faced blowback over the Iran war from top conservative activists, including Tucker Carlson.

Vance has defended the Iran war in public despite reports he privately opposed entering the conflict. He urged the crowd to remain politically engaged despite potential disagreement with the administration.

“I’m not saying you to have to agree with me on every issue,” Vance said. “What I am saying is: Don’t get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one topic. Get more involved, make your voice heard even more. That is how we ultimately take the country back.”