JD Vance Criticizes Vatican on Immigration, Defends Trump Border Policies

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he disagrees with the Vatican’s position on immigration, calling some of its recent comments "troubling" after Pope Leo repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and treatment of migrants.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle on Tuesday, Vance, who is Catholic, said he respects dialogue with Church leaders but believes the Vatican is overlooking the negative consequences of large-scale migration.

"I do think that some of the things that have come out of the Vatican on the immigration question in particular have been troubling, and ultimately I disagree with it," Vance said. He added that while he is open to discussions with Catholic leaders who oppose the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, he believes they should also recognize that "mass migration has victims."

The comments come after Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, urged Americans to engage in what he described as a "deep reflection" on how migrants are treated in the United States. The pontiff has accused the Trump administration of being "extremely disrespectful" toward immigrants and condemned what he characterized as their "inhuman" treatment.

Immigration remains one of the defining issues of President Donald Trump’s administration. Since returning to office, Trump has implemented a sweeping immigration crackdown and expanded deportation efforts, arguing that stricter border enforcement is necessary to strengthen national security and reduce illegal immigration.

Human rights organizations and immigration advocates have strongly criticized those policies, claiming they have undermined due process protections, restricted free speech, and contributed to an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities and ethnic minorities. Some advocacy groups have also raised concerns about alleged racial profiling during enforcement operations.

The disagreement between the White House and the Vatican extends beyond immigration. Pope Leo has also voiced opposition to several other Trump administration policies, highlighting growing differences between the two sides on key international and humanitarian issues.

The Vatican has declined to participate in Trump’s proposed "Board of Peace" initiative for Gaza, signaling its reluctance to endorse the administration’s approach to the conflict.

Pope Leo has additionally criticized the Iran war that began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. More recently, he welcomed the interim agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, expressing hope that the diplomatic effort could help bring the conflict to an end.

The exchange underscores the widening divide between the Trump administration and the Vatican over immigration, foreign policy, and broader humanitarian issues, even as both continue to emphasize the importance of peace and security through sharply different approaches.