Vice President JD Vance clashed with CNN’s chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins on Tuesday, accusing her of misrepresenting both his previous denial and President Donald Trump’s controversial comment about Americans’ financial well-being. The exchange occurred during a White House briefing, where Vance stood in for press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Collins pressed Vance on his earlier claim to NBC News that Trump had not said he “doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation.” Trump had made the remark to reporters before departing for China, and it was broadcast nationally. The next day, Trump defended the statement, telling Fox News it was “perfect.”
Vance insisted Trump never said he did not care about Americans’ finances, calling the comment “taken out of context.” He argued Trump was focused on national security objectives during Iran negotiations. Vance added that Trump “has a mandate” and is “worried about his fellow Americans every single day,” citing record job and wage growth.
The confrontation came as the Labor Department reported inflation rising 3.8 percent year-on-year, with gasoline prices surging 5.4 percent in the past month. A CNN/SSRS poll found 77 percent of Americans blame Trump’s policies, including the Iran war and tariffs, for rising costs. The average petrol price stood at $4.50 per gallon, up from $3.13 a year earlier.
General disapproval of the president’s economic handling hit an all-time low, with 70 percent of respondents expressing dissatisfaction. The poll highlighted widespread concern over soaring mortgage rates and food costs, further fuelling criticism of the administration’s economic strategy.
