Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance attributed high housing costs to Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and credited former President Donald Trump for reducing the cost of insulin in an exclusive interview with Scripps News’ Wisconsin station TMJ.
Charles Benson from Scripps News spoke with Vance prior to his scheduled remarks at the Milwaukee Police Association headquarters.
Housing costs
Vance claimed that Vice President Harris is accountable for the high housing costs in the U.S. because of her border policy and tiebreaking votes in the U.S. Senate.
“Kamala Harris allowed 20 million illegal aliens to enter to compete with Americans for limited housing,” Vance stated.
Watch: JD Vance gives an exclusive interview to Scripps News Milwaukee’s Charles Benson:
Vance blames Harris for high housing costs in interview with TMJ4
Data from the Migration Policy Institute indicates that home ownership among illegal immigrants is at 28%, equating to just over 3 million individuals.
“Moreover, [Harris] cast numerous votes, tiebreaking votes, that raised interest rates, consequently making mortgages unaffordable for American families,” Vance added.
Vance pledged that if elected, Trump’s administration would construct more houses and expel illegal aliens competing with Americans for homes.
Prescription drug prices
While many politicians have taken credit for implementing a $35 cap on insulin for numerous Americans, Vance emphasized that former President Trump should be prominently acknowledged.
“All the policies that led to the cost of insulin being reduced to $35 per unit were policies that [Trump] enacted during his tenure, and now consumers are experiencing the benefits,” Vance noted.
Vance also criticized American companies for selling drugs at lower prices in Europe compared to what Americans pay.
“We have American companies selling drugs at much lower prices in Europe than in the United States, which may require us to re-import from Europe. If Europeans pay less, Americans should also pay less,” he expressed.
Red flag laws
Vance disclosed to Benson that he doesn’t object in principle to preventing violent offenders from accessing guns, but emphasized the need for certain conditions to be met.
“Most people agree that we need to keep guns away from violent felons, but only after a fair legal process,” the Ohio senator stated. “We shouldn’t strip rights from anyone, whether it’s gun rights or First Amendment rights, without due process.”
Vance assured that he and Trump would safeguard law-abiding gun owners while working towards enhancing public safety. He also emphasized that incarcerating more individuals is pivotal in reducing crime rates.
“The main reason for the rise in murders and homicides in recent years is the inadequate incarceration of violent criminals. The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by a tiny fraction of individuals,” Vance explained.
Murder rates have decreased by over 26% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to FBI data.
Benson and Vance also conversed about trade following reports of Wisconsin brand Harley-Davidson moving some production overseas to Thailand.
Trade and tariffs
When questioned by Benson about whether domestic workers should be concerned about Trump’s proposition for higher tariffs, Vance showed his support for the measure.
“Tariffs are crucial for safeguarding American manufacturing workers. The Chinese are manufacturing in East Asia using effectively slave labor. American workers shouldn’t have to compete with slaves but with other workers,” Vance asserted.
Vance praised Trump’s efforts in advancing American manufacturing during his presidency, claiming the opening of over 10,000 factories in his four years in office.
“Comparing President Trump’s record to the 16 years before his presidency, where 60,000 factories shut down, during his term, 12,000 factories opened up in the United States,” Vance highlighted.
Vance’s previous visit to Wisconsin was on Aug. 7, coinciding with an appearance by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.
Harris is scheduled to be in Milwaukee the following Tuesday for her own event.
Vance responds to Trump’s Medal of Freedom comments
After the interview with Scripps News Milwaukee, Vance addressed local reporters’ inquiries about comments made by Trump regarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Miriam Adelson in 2018 being “much better” than the Medal of Honor given to military members.
Trump’s remarks drew swift criticism from the Harris campaign.
Vance, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq, defended Trump’s statements.
“During a ceremony, President Trump spoke favorably about a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I’ve witnessed Trump award the Congressional Medal of Honor and other commendations to military veterans. As a veteran myself, I don’t see his positive remarks about a Medal of Freedom recipient as diminishing the honor of military awardees. These are distinct awards,” Vance explained.
While the Medal of Honor is also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, bestowed by the president on behalf of Congress, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is conferred to honor civilians by the president.
“Miriam received the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump stated. “This is the highest civilian award you can receive. It’s equivalent to the Congressional Medal of Honor but for civilians. It’s actually superior because not everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor – those recipients are often injured or deceased. Miriam is healthy and beautiful. It’s fantastic and both awards are esteemed equally.”
Adelson, who owns the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, has been a significant donor to Trump’s presidential campaigns.
This article was originally published by Scripps News Milwaukee.
