Vice President Vance allegedly expressed his dislike for what he referred to as “salvation of Europe again” during a group chat with Trump administration officials.
According to The Atlantic‘s Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who accessed the group chats, Trump administration officials, including Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, discussed the details of an attack targeting Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Hegseth previously stated that the attacks in Yemen, which targeted several locations over three days starting March 15, were part of a “relentless” campaign until the Houthis ceased attacking vessels in the Red Sea.
Goldberg reported that Vance expressed concerns the strike was “mistake,” citing the significance of the Suez Canal to US and European trade, with 3% of US trade and 40% of European trade passing through it.
“There’s a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is to send a message, as Potus said,” Vance said.
“I don’t know if the president knows how inconsistent this is with his message in Europe right now,” he reportedly said the attack could raise oil prices. “I’m willing to support the team’s consensus and keep these concerns to myself. But there’s a strong argument to delay this for a month, and I’m doing messaging work on why this is important, where the economy is, and more.”
Hegseth reportedly said it would be critical to proceed with the strike.
“If you think we should do that, go. I hate bailing out Europe again,” Vance reportedly said.
Just two days before the attack in Yemen, Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on wine, champagne, and other alcohol on the European Union if it did not remove tariffs on whiskey.
“If this tariff is not removed immediately, the US will soon place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagne, and other alcohol products from France and the other EU. This is perfect for the US wine and champagne business.”
Oka reached out to the White House for comments.
