JD Vance says left-wing violence is on the rise, calls for curtailment of speech
Vance declares left-wing violence after FBI foils White House UFC drone plot
Vice President JD Vance reacts to the FBI’s disruption of an alleged explosives plot against the White House UFC event. Vance discusses the dangers of growing political rhetoric, the importance of federal law enforcement and expresses concern about the terrorist plot’s intent to target supporters. He also touches on the Iran deal and his new book, ‘Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith’, detailing his spiritual journey.
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Vice President JD Vance denounced left-wing violence and urged Americans to “reduce” political power during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday, reacting to the multi-stage terrorist attack aimed at the White House UFC Freedom 250 event over the weekend.
“These are very dark things,” he said.
“Unfortunately… this is what happens when people raise a rhetoric so grandiose that disagreement with someone is the cause of violence. That’s the place we’ve come to, unfortunately, with too much of our political rhetoric.”
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Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters in the White House briefing room on Jan. 8, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Vance, who attended the UFC 250 event, echoed the voices from Democrats, especially those working in Washington.
“We have to tell everyone to shut up, and I hate to say this, but it’s true … you see more political violence and violent rhetoric from the left than from the right these days. Everyone has a role to play in cutting this thing, but I think many of my Democratic colleagues in Washington should look in the mirror and say, ‘Why is so much of this side of politics coming from the spectrum of political violence. Maybe they can do something different.'”
Officials told Fox News Digital that the FBI and its law enforcement partners foiled a plot to use explosive devices to hit buildings near the event, forcing more people to evacuate and directing crowds toward a planned shooting party.
A “second wave” was then said to have been planned to attack the White House gate, according to officials.
Vance thanked God that authorities were able to stop the alleged attack and prevent what he called “a terrible tragedy.”
“It’s going to show why we value the guys who keep us safe and law enforcement, because these are the types of attacks they prevent every day,” he said.
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UFC Freedom 250 fights took place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15 in Washington, DC. (Jacquelyn Martin-Pool/Getty Images)
The vice president also declined to entertain speculation in 2028, including talk that he or Secretary of State Marco Rubio could lead the Republican ticket.
“We’re all focused on the task at hand,” he said with a smile, responding to President Trump’s suggestion that the Vance-Rubio ticket “couldn’t fail much.”
“I think the president likes to stir the pot a little bit… but, basically, I think Marco, I, the entire Cabinet, we’re focused on doing a good job,” Vance continued.
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“If that happens, politics will take care of itself.”
Fox News’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.
