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Vice President JD Vance has defended his deputy press secretary, Buckley Carlson, against claims that his father’s influence embodies “racism and antisemitism,” following a campaign to disavow his father.
Rachmuth, a Republican operative and journalist, alleged in a viral post on X that “racism and antisemitism is a Carlson family trait,” questioning whether Buckley Carlson, who serves as JD Vance’s top aide, is a “vile bigot.” She further claimed Tucker Carlson’s brother idolized Nick Fuentes, a rightist provocateur who attacks both Vance and Israel.
Vance emphasized his loyalty to staff, stating, “You don’t assign your hate for his Dad to him, and you don’t ask sons to disavow their fathers or mothers.” He criticized those attacking Buckley as “scumbags,” noting, “I have an extraordinary tolerance for disagreements and criticisms from the various people in our coalition. But I am a very loyal person, and I have zero tolerance for scumbags attacking my staff.”
Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana similarly defended Buckley Carlson, describing him as “one of the smartest, most trustworthy and loyal staffers I’ve ever had,” while others noted that personal attacks are “disgusting.”
Rachmuth’s comments were framed as part of a broader campaign targeting Tucker Carlson, with critics suggesting “attacking Buckley is really messed up” and noting, “They can’t bring down Tucker so they’re going after his son.”
Vance did not mince words, stating, “Sloan Rachmuth is a ‘journalist’ who has decided to obsessively attack a staffer in his 20s because she doesn’t like the views of his father. Every time I see a public attack on Buckley it’s a complete lie.” He questioned, “Not in any church I ever spent time in!”
The vice president’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
