WASHINGTON (VINnews) — Vice President JD Vance on Friday described the Tucker Carlson-Mike Huckabee interview, which has sparked allegations of antisemitism and diplomatic tensions with Arab states, as “a really good conversation that’s going to be necessary for the right.”

Vance, speaking to the Washington Post, said he had only seen segments of the more than two-hour interview but praised the exchange as part of a broader dialogue within the Republican Party.

The longtime Carlson ally emphasized the importance of a “real exchange of ideas,” including voices he finds disagreeable, framing it as essential for party unity and electoral success.

His remarks drew criticism from many including from former New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who tweeted that Vance’s praise suggested he either “is a puppet of Tucker” or “actually believes the garbage Tucker spewed,” and said both possibilities disqualify him from future GOP leadership.

Vance, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, reiterated that he believes the GOP should remain an open marketplace of ideas.

After describing the interview between Ambassador Huckabee and Tucker the snake, as “a really good conversation that’s going to be necessary for the right, not just for the next couple years but for long into the future.”

only one of the following statements can describe who or… https://t.co/H9ky73A1s7

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) February 27, 2026

I’ll never support or vote for JD Vance. Never.
He’s Tucker with a beard. https://t.co/JgMoT2IePA

— Lily West🌹 (@LilyRoslynWest) February 27, 2026