Vice President JD Vance left CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan visibly flustered during a heated exchange on immigration and national security issues, a moment that quickly went viral and earned him praise from Republican lawmakers and strategists. The exchange, aired on Face the Nation, showcased Vance’s refusal to back down on his claims about insufficient refugee vetting, particularly under the Biden administration, despite Brennan’s insistence otherwise.
The interview began with Brennan defending the refugee screening process, arguing that refugees undergo a rigorous vetting process lasting 18 to 24 months. She pressed Vance on whether he still stood by his past comments about supporting properly vetted refugees. Vance wasted no time firing back, stating that not all refugees have been adequately screened, pointing to the case of an Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, as evidence. Tawhedi, who had entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, was later charged with plotting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
Vance hammered home his point, citing Tawhedi’s alleged plan to carry out an Election Day attack and emphasizing that such cases undermine the credibility of the vetting process. He dismissed Brennan’s attempts to minimize the case as an isolated incident, countering that even one improperly vetted individual poses an unacceptable risk. When Brennan interrupted to argue that 30,000 Afghan refugees are in the pipeline and insisted they are thoroughly vetted, Vance shot back with sharp precision, referencing Tawhedi as a glaring exception to that claim.
The vice president’s remarks took a populist turn as he expressed concerns about the impact of refugee resettlement on American communities. He bluntly stated that he would not allow his children—or any American children—to live in neighborhoods with individuals who hadn’t been properly vetted. His directness struck a chord with conservatives, further solidifying his reputation as an advocate for strong borders and national security.
Brennan attempted to pivot, suggesting that Tawhedi might have been radicalized after arriving in the U.S., but Vance refused to let the point go. “I don’t really care,” he said flatly. “I don’t want that person in my country, and I think most Americans agree with me.” The exchange highlighted a sharp ideological divide on immigration policy, with Vance’s unapologetic stance resonating strongly with his base while leaving his critics scrambling to counter his points.
Vice President @JDVance utterly embarrasses CBS and @margbrennan on the unvetted migrants that Biden allowed into our country 🔥☠️
— Andrew Surabian (@Surabees) January 26, 2025
Margaret Brennan: "These people are vetted!"
VP Vance: "Just like the guy who planned a terrorist attack in Oklahoma a few months ago?" pic.twitter.com/IeA8qsklTR
