Trump Tells Vance To Focus On Corruption In Democrat-Run Cities: 'We Don't Need A Deal With Iran'
President Donald Trump on Thursday directed Vice President JD Vance to turn his "complete and total attention" to alleged corruption and crime in Democratic-controlled cities and states, and declared that the United States no longer needs a deal with Iran.
"I have asked Vice President Vance to focus his complete and total attention on the Massive Corruption and Crime taking place in Democrat run Cities and States throughout the U.S.," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"We don't need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed," he continued. "We've got their money, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and we've got their Strait!"
Trump singled out California, Minnesota and Illinois in his broader criticism of Democratic-led governments.
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A Major Shift For Vance
The directive is a big change for Vance, who has played a leading role in the administration's efforts to negotiate with Tehran and end the months-long conflict, Axios noted. He previously served as lead negotiator during a short-lived truce.
Trump's announcement came after reports that Vance was considering renewed direct talks with Iranian officials to set up another ceasefire and restart nuclear negotiations.
Trump, however, has increasingly suggested that economic and military pressure has reduced the need for a settlement. Earlier this week he said the conflict "militarily is effectively over," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the economic campaign against Iran was inflicting severe damage.
The reassignment also follows Vance publicly blaming the war and its economic fallout for the Republican midterm losses. "The reason we lost is the war," he wrote after the elections.
"If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so," Vance added. "Argue it was worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest."
Trump later said those comments had not damaged their relationship, even though some Republicans disliked Vance's assessment.
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The Fraud Task Force
Vance already has a platform for his new assignment. Earlier this year, Trump created a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and put Vance in charge.
The administration has increasingly highlighted fraud in government programs, especially in Minnesota, where federal authorities have pursued numerous criminal cases involving taxpayer-funded programs. Trump has also accused California, Illinois and New York of widespread waste and corruption, although the White House has not provided evidence for every figure the president has cited.
The new mission comes as Democrats prepare their own investigations of Trump when the new Congress convenes, with incoming committee leaders discussing probes of his business interests, immigration enforcement and federal contracts.
Trump has tried to turn the Democrats' anti-corruption message back on them. After Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said voters wanted action on "costs, chaos and corruption," Trump offered to work with him on corruption while insisting Democratic-run states deserve more scrutiny.
The situation with Iran remains unsettled. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to near prewar levels, but commercial vessels still rely heavily on U.S. military protection, and recent attacks on tankers show continuing instability. Iranian officials say diplomatic channels remain open. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said U.S. officials had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help set up direct negotiations, although the White House has not confirmed that account.