Vance Rallies with Turning Point, but Some Supporters Bristle at Trump's War Rhetoric

Vice President JD Vance faces criticism and empty seats at Georgia campus event as Trump's comments on Iran war and Pope Leo XIV complicate GOP messaging.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:39pm

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A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in muted red, blue, and grey tones, depicting a politician's hand gesturing forcefully, conveying a sense of political division and conflict.The Trump administration's combative rhetoric and divisive policies have created a rift within the Republican base, as some conservative voters express unease with the president's approach.Athens Today

Vice President JD Vance visited the University of Georgia campus for a Turning Point USA event, but the gathering was marked by criticism from some conservative supporters over President Trump's rhetoric on the war with Iran and his attacks on Pope Leo XIV. The event highlighted the challenges the administration faces in rallying young conservatives behind the war effort, with attendees voicing concerns over Trump's social media memes and his public feud with the pope.

Why it matters

The event underscores the growing divide within the Republican base, as some conservative voters, particularly younger ones, are growing increasingly uneasy with Trump's combative style and his willingness to take on traditional institutions like the Catholic Church. This could complicate the administration's efforts to maintain a united front heading into the 2028 election.

The details

Vance, who was in Georgia fresh off a trip to Pakistan, faced sharp questions and criticism from the mostly empty arena. Some attendees, like Joseph Bercher, a Catholic, said they had voted for Trump but no longer supported him, citing the president's attacks on Pope Leo XIV and a controversial social media meme depicting Trump as Jesus. Others, like C.J. Santini, a recent Liberty University graduate, called Trump's feud with the pope 'stupid' and a distraction from the administration's agenda. Vance acknowledged that not all young conservatives support the war with Iran, but urged them not to disengage from the political process.

  • Vance visited the University of Georgia campus on April 15, 2026.
  • Trump posted a social media meme depicting himself as Jesus on the previous Monday.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who was visiting the University of Georgia campus for a Turning Point USA event.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose rhetoric and actions, including attacking Pope Leo XIV and posting a controversial social media meme, have complicated the current administration's messaging and efforts to rally conservative support.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has expressed opposition to the war with Iran and criticized President Trump's comments, prompting a public feud between the two leaders.

Joseph Bercher

A Catholic attendee who said he had voted for Trump but no longer supports him, citing the president's attacks on Pope Leo XIV and the controversial social media meme.

C.J. Santini

A recent Liberty University graduate who criticized Trump's feud with the pope as 'stupid' and a distraction from the administration's agenda.

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What they’re saying

“I did vote for Trump. I am not a Trump supporter anymore.”

— Joseph Bercher, Catholic attendee

“It's just stupid. Stupid. It's a distraction.”

— C.J. Santini, Recent Liberty University graduate

“The pope needs to stay out of politics.”

— Jessie Williams, Methodist attendee

What’s next

The administration will likely need to address the growing divide within the Republican base and find ways to unite conservatives behind its agenda, particularly on foreign policy issues like the war with Iran.

The takeaway

The Turning Point USA event in Georgia highlighted the challenges the Trump administration faces in maintaining support from its conservative base, as some younger voters express unease with the president's combative style and willingness to take on traditional institutions like the Catholic Church. This could complicate the administration's efforts to rally support for its policies, including the ongoing war with Iran.