Here’s what Vance had to say.
Vice President J.D. Vance is pushing back hard against what he calls “another left-wing witch hunt” after a Politico report exposed private messages from a Young Republicans group chat, triggering a storm of outrage across liberal media outlets.
During an interview on The Charlie Kirk Show, Vance made it clear that he refuses to let a few offensive jokes destroy the careers of young conservatives. “Kids do stupid things,” Vance said. “Especially young men — they tell edgy jokes, they say dumb stuff. That doesn’t mean their lives should be ruined forever.”
Vance Calls Out Media Double Standard
Vance blasted the mainstream media for selectively targeting conservatives while ignoring similar behavior from left-wing activists. “The same people who defend college radicals burning flags are now clutching their pearls over a dumb group chat,” he said.
He reaffirmed a tweet where he condemned the “outrage machine,” saying the Trump Administration will not bow to mob pressure. “We’re not going to let a 21-year-old’s private message define the rest of his life,” Vance told host Charlie Kirk.
“Be Smart — But Don’t Live in Fear”
Vance said he tells his own kids to be cautious online. “Assume some scumbag out there wants to hurt you or your family,” he warned. “Be careful what you post. But we can’t live in a country where one mistake ruins your entire future.”
He added that cancel culture has gone too far and is now being used as a political weapon to silence conservatives.
Leaked Chat Targets Young Conservatives
The Politico report released thousands of private messages from a Young Republicans group chat — a small circle of GOP activists aged 18 to 40. The leaked texts included inappropriate humor and edgy jokes, which the media instantly used to smear the group as “racist.”
Progressive outlets like Mother Jones and The Daily Beast quickly piled on, identifying members of the group and demanding resignations. Some participants have already lost jobs, while others face public humiliation — exactly the kind of mob punishment Vance says must end.
“This is pure cancel culture,” Vance said. “We’ve allowed the Left to weaponize people’s worst moments. It’s time to say enough.”
Vance: “Forgiveness Over Destruction”
Vance emphasized that his message applies across the political spectrum. “If these were left-wing kids saying dumb left-wing things, I’d say the same. People deserve grace — not destruction — for being immature once.”
He added that the Trump Administration stands firmly against the media’s attempts to destroy lives over old online posts. “This isn’t journalism,” Vance concluded. “It’s digital character assassination.”
Conservatives Rally Behind Vance
The vice president’s comments are earning praise from across the conservative movement, where many see the leaked chat story as part of a broader pattern of bias and censorship. Supporters say Vance’s defense is a much-needed stand for fairness and free expression in an era of relentless political double standards.
