Vance Blames Harris for Housing Costs in Interview with Scripps News Milwaukee

Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance accused Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris of causing high housing costs and praised former President Donald Trump for reducing the price of insulin in an exclusive interview with Scripps News’ Wisconsin station TMJ.

Charles Benson of Scripps News talked with Vance before his scheduled appearance at the Milwaukee Police Association headquarters.

Housing costs

Vance claimed that Vice President Harris is to blame for the high housing costs in the U.S. because of her border policy and tie-breaking votes in the U.S. Senate.

“Kamala Harris allowed 20 million illegal aliens to enter and compete with Americans for limited housing,” Vance stated.

Watch: JD Vance speaks with TMJ4’s Charles Benson in an exclusive interview:

Vance points finger at Harris for high housing costs in TMJ4 interview

Data from the Migration Policy Institute indicates that homeownership among illegal immigrants stands at 28%, which is slightly over 3 million.

“Moreover, [Harris] cast multiple votes, including tie-breakers, that led to higher interest rates, making mortgages unaffordable for American families,” Vance added.

Vance vowed that if Trump’s administration were elected, more houses would be constructed, and illegal immigrants who are competing with Americans for homes would be removed.

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Prescription drug prices

Several politicians have taken credit for capping insulin costs at $35 for many Americans, and Vance told Benson that Trump should be recognized for this achievement.

“All the policies that brought down the cost of insulin to $35 per unit were implemented by [Trump] during his term, and now consumers are reaping the benefits,” Vance explained.

“Some changes take time, but President Trump’s leadership had a significant impact on reducing costs more than any other president during my lifetime.”

Vance also criticized American companies for selling drugs in Europe at lower prices than in the U.S.

“American companies are selling medications at much cheaper rates in Europe than in the U.S., so there may be a need to import from Europe,” he remarked. “If Europeans pay less, Americans should also pay less.”

Red flag laws

Vance mentioned to Benson that he supports keeping guns away from violent offenders, but emphasized the importance of following due process.

“Ensuring that guns are kept away from violent felons after a fair legal process is something almost everyone agrees on,” the Ohio senator mentioned. “We shouldn’t strip anyone of their rights, whether it’s gun rights or First Amendment rights, without proper legal procedures.”

Vance and Trump pledged to safeguard the rights of law-abiding gun owners while enhancing public safety. Vance also stressed that increasing incarceration rates was crucial to reducing crime.

“Most of the rise in murders and homicides in recent years is due to insufficient imprisonment of violent criminals. The majority of violent crimes are committed by a small number of individuals,” Vance stated.

RELATED STORY | Scripps News discovers lack of interactive ‘red flag’ training for N.Y. police before mass shooting

According to FBI data, murder rates decreased by over 26% in 2024 compared to 2023, as reported by the FBI.

Benson and Vance also addressed trade, in light of recent news that a long-standing Wisconsin brand, Harley-Davidson, is shifting some production to Thailand. Read more about it.

Trade and tariffs

Benson questioned Vance about concerns of domestic workers regarding Trump’s push for higher tariffs, to which Vance expressed support for the practice.

“Tariffs serve to protect American manufacturing workers. The Chinese are producing goods in East Asia using what can be considered slavery. American workers should not be forced to compete with slave labor, but with fair workers,” Vance explained.

Vance highlighted Trump’s efforts in promoting American manufacturing during his presidency, noting the opening of over 10,000 factories in four years.

“Comparing Trump’s record with the 16 years prior to his presidency, during which 60,000 factories shut down, within four years of his term, 12,000 factories opened in the U.S.,” Vance pointed out.

Vance’s last visit to Wisconsin occurred on Aug. 7, coinciding with appearances by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz. Harris is scheduled to visit Milwaukee next Tuesday for her own event.

Vance responds to Trump’s Medal of Freedom comments

Following the interview with Scripps News Milwaukee, Vance was questioned by local journalists about Trump’s recent statements. Trump had remarked that the Presidential Medal of Freedom bestowed upon Miriam Adelson in 2018 was “actually much better” than the Medal of Honor awarded to military members.

Trump’s remarks drew criticism from the Harris campaign.

Vance, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq, defended Trump’s comments.

“During a recent ceremony where Trump discussed a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he spoke highly of her,” Vance clarified. “I have witnessed Trump present the Congressional Medal of Honor and other awards to military veterans. As a veteran myself, I can attest that he cares deeply about our veterans. Complimenting a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient does not diminish the sacrifices of those who receive military honors. These are two distinct honors.”

The Medal of Honor is sometimes called the Congressional Medal of Honor, as it is conferred by the president on behalf of Congress. On the other hand, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to civilians by the president.

Trump explained, “We awarded Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor. It’s comparable to the Congressional Medal of Honor, but for civilians. I believe it’s far superior because everyone who receives the Congressional Medal of Honor is either injured severely from battle or deceased. She received it and is a healthy, beautiful woman. It’s fantastic, and they are both equally prestigious.”

Adelson, the majority owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, has been a significant supporter of Trump’s presidential campaigns.

This article was originally published by Scripps News Milwaukee.