Vice President JD Vance defended his deputy press secretary Buckley Carlson amid intense scrutiny over the young man’s familial ties to conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. The controversy emerged after Republican operative Jennifer Sloan Rachmuth accused Tucker Carlson of being “America’s most prolific antisemite,” while questioning the vice president’s relationship with the media figure.
Rachmuth, who was arrested last year on a cyberstalking charge that was dismissed, claimed in a viral post that “racism and antisemitism is a Carlson family trait.” She asked if Buckley, who serves as Vance’s top aide, also embodies “vile bigotry,” citing Tucker Carlson’s brother’s admiration for rightist provocateur Nick Fuentes.
Vance responded with strong defiance, emphasizing his loyalty to staff members despite criticism. “You don’t assign your hate for his Dad to him, and you don’t ask sons to disavow their fathers or mothers,” he stated, adding that “everyone who I’ve seen attack Buckley with lies is a scumbag.”
Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana echoed Vance’s stance, calling Buckley “one of the smartest, most trustworthy and loyal staffers” he has ever had. Others, including conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, suggested the attacks were part of broader efforts to undermine Tucker Carlson.
Vance also criticized Rachmuth’s claims, noting that “Sloan describes herself as a defender of ‘Judeo-Christian Values.’ Is it a ‘Judeo-Christian value’ to lie about someone you don’t know?” He added, “Not in any church I ever spent time in!”
Tucker Carlson has faced recent criticism over his interview with Fuentes, who repeatedly attacks both Vance and Israel. When asked about the encounter, President Donald Trump stated, “You can’t tell him who to interview and if he wants to interview Nick Fuentes — I don’t know much about him — but if he wants to do it, get the word out.”
The vice president’s office did not respond to requests for comment, as did Tucker Carlson and Rachmuth.
