JD Vance Dismisses “Conspiracy Theorist” Label, Deflects to Biden Criticism
Ohio Senator JD Vance responded to accusations of promoting conspiracy theories leveled against him by Susie Wiles, a prominent figure within former President Donald Trump’s orbit. The exchange follows a revealing interview with Wiles published by Vanity Fair, where she offered a candid assessment of the current political landscape and key players within the Trump administration.
Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff, described Office of Budget and Management Director Russ Vought as a “right-wing absolute zealot” and characterized President Trump’s personality as akin to that of an alcoholic. Turning to Vance, she suggested his support for Trump was primarily a calculated political maneuver, adding that he has been “a conspiracy theorist for a decade.” This assertion has ignited a new round of scrutiny regarding Vance’s past statements and beliefs.
Vance’s Response: An Inside Joke and Shifting Blame
Speaking at an event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Vance claimed he hadn’t yet read the Vanity Fair article but addressed the allegations directly. He downplayed the characterization, framing it as a long-standing, playful exchange with Wiles. “Sometimes I am a conspiracy theorist, but I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true,” Vance told the audience, adding, “Susie and I have joked in private and in public about that for a long time.”
However, Vance quickly pivoted to offer examples of his own past “conspiracy theories,” citing his skepticism regarding masking policies for young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. He sarcastically referenced a 2020 claim that masking three-year-olds could hinder language development, a claim debunked by experts at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Research from the university demonstrated no such impediment.
The senator then redirected his criticism toward President Joe Biden, asserting he once believed the media was deliberately concealing Biden’s alleged inability to effectively perform his duties. “It turns out that a conspiracy theory is just something that was true six months before the media admitted it,” Vance stated.
Did You Know? The term “conspiracy theory” was first used in the mid-20th century, often to discredit claims challenging official narratives. Its usage has evolved, becoming increasingly politicized in recent years.
Defending Wiles and Criticizing the Media
Despite the pointed accusation from Wiles, Vance defended her character, stating, “I’ve never seen her be disloyal to the president.” He then echoed a common refrain among conservatives, suggesting the broader lesson from the Vanity Fair article is the need for caution when granting interviews to mainstream media outlets. “If any of us have learned a lesson from that Vanity Fair article, I hope it’s that we should be giving fewer interviews to mainstream media outlets,” he said.
A clip of the exchange, shared by journalist Aaron Rupar on X (formerly Twitter), captured a moment where a member of the audience interjected, labeling those who speak differently in public and private as “traitors.” Vance appeared to endorse this sentiment, further emphasizing his loyalty to Trump.
VANCE: I've seen so many people who will say one thing to the president's face and then will do the exact opposite behind the scenes–
GUY IN CROWD: They're traitors!
VANCE: They are. And you know why I really love Susie Wiles? … I've never seen her be disloyal to the… pic.twitter.com/dxq8cS54XH
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 16, 2025
What role does media access play in shaping political narratives, and how can politicians navigate the tension between transparency and strategic communication? Do accusations of conspiracy theorizing ultimately help or hinder a politician’s credibility?
Related: “Hit piece”: Susie Wiles accuses Vanity Fair of crafting “negative narrative” of Trump admin
Frequently Asked Questions About JD Vance and Conspiracy Theories
What did Susie Wiles say about JD Vance?
Susie Wiles alleged that JD Vance has been “a conspiracy theorist for a decade” and suggested his support for Donald Trump was a calculated political move.
How did JD Vance respond to the accusations?
JD Vance dismissed the claims as an “inside joke” and deflected by referencing his own past skepticism towards mainstream narratives, particularly regarding COVID-19 masking policies and Joe Biden’s capabilities.
What conspiracy theory did Vance cite as an example?
Vance referenced a 2020 claim that masking three-year-old children could hinder their language development, a claim that has been widely debunked by scientific research.
Did Vance criticize Vanity Fair or Susie Wiles directly?
While Vance downplayed the accusations, he defended Wiles’ loyalty and criticized mainstream media outlets, suggesting politicians should be more selective about granting interviews.
What is the broader context of these accusations?
The accusations come amid heightened political scrutiny and internal tensions within the Trump administration, as revealed in Wiles’ recent interview with Vanity Fair.
Is there evidence to support the claim that Vance is a conspiracy theorist?
Vance has previously expressed views that align with various conspiracy theories, particularly those challenging mainstream scientific and political narratives. However, whether this qualifies him as a “conspiracy theorist” is a matter of interpretation.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: This article provides news and commentary on political events. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or medical advice.
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