The Vance Daily

THE VANCE DAILY - April 13, 2026

Vice President JD Vance faces criticism over diplomatic missions to Hungary and Pakistan while leading Iran negotiations amid a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hungary Mission Draws Backlash: Vance campaigned for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who subsequently lost his election, with Vance calling the defeat "very bad" for US interests.

Iran Talks Show Mixed Results: Vance reports "a lot of progress" in Pakistan-hosted negotiations with Iran, stating the possibility of a "grand deal" while placing responsibility for next steps on Tehran.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate: The Vice President accused Iran of "economic terrorism" as a US blockade of the strategic waterway took effect.

Disagreement with Pope Surfaces: Vance addressed a public disagreement with Pope Leo IV and responded to what he called a "joke" posting by President Trump.

Second Iran Meeting Under Consideration: US and Iranian officials are discussing another round of talks aimed at reviving ceasefire negotiations.

Left vs Right: Left-leaning outlets characterize Vance's week as a series of diplomatic failures, with some calling him historically unpopular, while right-leaning sources focus more neutrally on his statements about Iran negotiations and emphasize his optimistic assessments of progress made in talks.

Another busy day in the Vice Presidency.