Vance Compares Himself to 'Home Alone' Star in Empty White House

The White House feels eerily quiet without President Donald Trump, who is currently visiting China, according to Vice President JD Vance. During a press conference in Washington state focused on anti-fraud efforts, Vance compared himself to Macaulay Culkin, the star of the iconic film "Home Alone," to describe his solitude. He explained that Secret Service protocols prevent him from traveling abroad with the president.

"Today I feel like I'm Macaulay Culkin... I walk into the White House, and it's very quiet and no one is there, and I might need a second to figure out exactly what's happening," Vance joked. He added that the atmosphere in the White House is notably calm during Trump's absence.

Iran Negotiations and a Firm Red Line

Shifting to foreign policy, Vance addressed ongoing negotiations regarding the conflict with Iran. He stated that top American negotiators, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are "making progress" despite what he described as unsatisfactory responses from Tehran. The vice president emphasized a steadfast red line: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon through strict guarantees.

Vance also defended Trump against criticism related to a proposal that appeared to prioritize preventing a nuclear Iran over the U.S. financial situation. He clarified that "what was reported about the president is a distortion, and we care about the American economy alongside intensive diplomacy."