Vice President JD Vance holds White House press briefing — 5/19/2026

Summary

Vice President JD Vance holds a White House press briefing on May 19, 2026. He discusses the anti-fraud task force's successes, the status of Iran nuclear negotiations, fentanyl reduction, and AI policy. He also addresses questions on a DOJ compensation fund, troop deployments in Europe, and immigration policy.

• Vance announces progress on the anti-fraud task force, recovering billions in fraudulent spending.
• He outlines the Iran negotiation stance: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, with a deal or military option as alternatives.
• He reports a significant reduction in fentanyl deaths under the Trump administration.
• He discusses AI policy, balancing innovation with safety, and notes the Pope's upcoming encyclical.
• He defends a $1.8 billion DOJ fund for those claiming political persecution, emphasizing case-by-case review.
• He addresses a delayed troop deployment to Poland, stressing Europe should take more responsibility for its defense.
• He responds to questions about the president's stock trades, advocating for a ban on congressional stock trading.
• He voices opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants and supports stricter border control.