JD Vance had some interesting words.
Vice President JD Vance recently responded sharply to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ criticism of the Trump administration’s policy changes that allow ICE to conduct raids in churches and schools. Last week, the Catholic leaders condemned the policy, claiming it transforms “places of care, healing, and solace into places of fear and uncertainty” and could undermine trust between pastors and their congregations.
In an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Vance, a practicing Catholic, expressed his disappointment, questioning the Conference’s motives. “As a Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement,” Vance said, adding that the bishops should “look in the mirror” and reflect on the more than $100 million in funding they receive to help resettle illegal immigrants. He suggested that the bishops’ true concern might not be humanitarian, but rather their financial interests.
Vance did not hold back, emphasizing the real dangers posed by the open borders under President Biden’s administration. He cited the trafficking of children across the southern border as a pressing issue that the bishops should address, rather than focusing on immigration enforcement. He also noted that the bishops have not been strong partners in supporting common-sense immigration policies that the American people voted for.
When pressed by Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan about whether the bishops were hiding criminals, Vance refrained from making direct accusations but emphasized the need for stronger enforcement and better cooperation from religious leaders. He added that he hopes the tough immigration policies will deter illegal immigrants from coming into the country in the first place.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, also defended the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, stressing the need for rigorous vetting. “We cannot afford to allow unvetted individuals into our country,” Vance asserted, adding that the safety of American families, including his own children, should come first.
His remarks follow a broader trend of tensions between conservative Catholics, including President Trump, and the leadership of the Catholic Church, which has often clashed with Trump’s policies, including his stance on immigration. Despite these conflicts, Vance remains committed to enforcing the law and protecting Americans, asserting that just because the country was founded by immigrants doesn’t mean it should have the most lenient immigration policies in the world.
Vance’s bold stance highlights a critical debate within the Republican Party over the role of religious institutions in the national conversation on immigration. He has made it clear that his priority remains the security and prosperity of the American people, a theme that will likely continue to define his approach as Vice President.