ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Vice President JD Vance traveled to North Carolina on Friday to promote the economy, endorse Republican candidate Michael Whatley in the Senate race, and discuss Iran. He was joined by former RNC chairman and GOP Senate nominee Michael Whatley and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler at a local event space.
Vance credited recent economic indicators to policies from the Trump administration. “In just a very brief time, we’ve seen new home purchases rise to their highest level in five years,” he said. “Since the last time Donald Trump was president, we’ve seen the cost of rents drop for six months in a row.” He also pointed to the average tax refund of about $3,700 per family in North Carolina and low interest rates not seen since Trump’s presidency.
Kelly Loeffler, who was introduced by Vance, emphasized efforts to reduce wasteful government spending and crack down on fraud. “Together, we’re cleaning up massive, wasteful spending and the abuse of government programs,” she said. “And you’ve seen that the fraud that sent your hard-earned tax dollars overseas and the Democrats’ open borders and defund the police agendas have harmed communities.”
Addressing international issues, Vance discussed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He said the U.S. is engaged in a military effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, a stance he said has been consistent across administrations. When asked about classified briefings before recent strikes in Iran, Vance declined to share details, citing confidentiality and legal concerns.
Vance strongly endorsed Whatley’s Senate campaign, criticizing Democratic opponent Roy Cooper. “Roy Cooper cares more for foreign countries than for the United States,” Vance claimed, citing Cooper’s stance on illegal immigration and foreign aid. A Cooper spokesperson responded by highlighting Cooper’s record on criminal justice and criticizing Whatley’s support for budget cuts to law enforcement.
Vance wrapped up the event after discussing efforts to combat fraud, including a federal task force launched in January. He mentioned that over $19 billion in fraud has been uncovered in Minneapolis and surrounding areas under the Trump administration, with ongoing investigations into other states.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
