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Vance Defends Trump's Controversial Remarks on Pope, AI

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vance downplayed U.S. President Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV as not newsworthy.
Trump criticized the pope over the Iran war, calling him 'weak on crime'.
Vance dismissed backlash to Trump's AI post portraying him as a Jesus-like figure, labeling it a joke.
He added that Trump's direct communication style is beneficial.
During negotiations with Iran, Vance acknowledged energy costs and said the administration is aware of Americans' struggles.

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Story summary

Vance downplayed U.S. President Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV as not newsworthy.
Trump criticized the pope over the Iran war, calling him 'weak on crime'.
Vance dismissed backlash to Trump's AI post portraying him as a Jesus-like figure, labeling it a joke.
He added that Trump's direct communication style is beneficial.
During negotiations with Iran, Vance acknowledged energy costs and said the administration is aware of Americans' struggles.