Vice President Vance Faces Skepticism from Young Conservatives Over Trump's War and Attacks on Pope Leo

Vance's campus tour with Turning Point USA reveals growing divisions within the Republican base over the administration's foreign policy and rhetoric.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:43am

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A highly stylized, fractured painting in red, white, and blue tones depicting the silhouette of a politician making an impassioned gesture, conveying a sense of political unrest and disunity.The Trump administration's war with Iran and attacks on Pope Leo XIV have created deep divisions within the Republican base, as evidenced by the skepticism and criticism expressed by some young conservative attendees at a Turning Point USA event.Athens Today

Fresh off a failed diplomatic trip to Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance visited the University of Georgia campus for a Turning Point USA event, but was met with a mostly empty arena and sharp criticism from some young conservative attendees. Many expressed unease over President Trump's war with Iran and his attacks on Pope Leo XIV, with some saying they no longer support the president. Vance acknowledged the divisions, saying not all young conservatives agree with him, but urged them not to disengage. The event highlighted the challenges the administration faces in selling the war and the political fallout from Trump's combative rhetoric toward the pope.

Why it matters

The event underscores the growing rifts within the Republican base, particularly among younger conservatives, over the administration's foreign policy and Trump's divisive style. While Turning Point USA has been a key Trump ally, the lackluster turnout and critical questions suggest the president's war and attacks on the pope are alienating some of his core supporters, which could complicate the administration's agenda and political fortunes.

The details

Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, initially tried to dismiss Trump's controversial meme depicting the president as Jesus, calling it a joke that 'a lot of people weren't understanding.' However, on stage he shifted his tone, saying he welcomes Pope Leo's comments even if he disagrees with them. Vance also questioned the pope's assertion that God does not hear the prayers of those who make war, asking whether God was on the side of Allied forces in World War II. The event featured aggressive audience questions, with one person pressing Vance over the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files.

  • Vance's visit to the University of Georgia campus took place on April 15, 2026.
  • The event came just a day after Vance tried to laugh off Trump's controversial meme on Fox News.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio. Vance is a Catholic convert and was visiting the University of Georgia campus for a Turning Point USA event.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who is currently engaged in a war with Iran and has attacked Pope Leo XIV, drawing criticism from some of his own supporters.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has expressed opposition to the war with Iran and criticized President Trump's rhetoric, prompting a backlash from the administration.

Turning Point USA

A conservative youth organization that hosted the event Vance attended at the University of Georgia.

Erika Kirk

The current leader of Turning Point USA, who canceled her plans to appear on stage due to unspecified threats.

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What they’re saying

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

— Joseph Bercher, Catholic voter

“It's just stupid. Stupid.”

— C.J. Santini, Recent Liberty University graduate

“The pope needs to stay out of politics.”

— Jessie Williams, Methodist voter

“You can still be a Republican' despite disagreeing with Trump.”

— Blake McCluggage, Baptist voter

What’s next

The administration will likely need to address the growing divisions within the Republican base over the war with Iran and Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV in order to maintain political support for its foreign policy agenda.

The takeaway

This event highlights the challenges the Trump administration faces in selling its war with Iran and the political fallout from the president's combative rhetoric, even among some of his core conservative supporters. The divisions revealed suggest the administration may need to recalibrate its approach to maintain unity within the Republican party.