Vice President J.D. Vance has strongly criticized CBS for what he described as an attempt to pressure his mother-in-law regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Vance accused the network of using his family as a political tool to undermine the administration of President Donald Trump.
The controversy arose when CBS reportedly contacted Vance’s mother-in-law for comments on DEI-related issues. The vice president dismissed the outreach as an effort to manufacture controversy, suggesting that it was an attempt to discredit his stance against DEI initiatives. Vance has been an outspoken critic of such programs, arguing that they promote division rather than inclusivity.
Speaking on the matter, Vance asserted that the media should engage in ethical journalism rather than targeting public officials’ family members to push a political narrative. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to policies focused on merit-based opportunities rather than identity-driven mandates.
CBS has not yet publicly responded to the vice president’s accusations, but the network has previously defended its reporting as being in the public interest. Vance, however, remains firm in his stance, calling on media organizations to engage in fair reporting without resorting to what he considers personal attacks.