Vance takes turn at White House press briefing podium, faces questions on 'baked in' inflation

Vice President JD Vance.

Vice President JD Vance handled briefing the White House press corps on Thursday, a week after Karoline Leavitt officially stepped down as White House press secretary.

Vance faced a range of questions on everything from his slimmed-down figure -- he told reporters he's been following sauerkraut-heavy diet recommended by RFK Jr. -- to the Iran war to inflation and affordability. Peter Doocy of Fox News asked Vance, "Midterm voters are looking for someone to blame for high prices on things like gas, energy -- why shouldn't them blame Republicans?"

Vance responded, saying inflation became "endemic" under the Biden administration, "hit a record high of about 9.5%" He went on to say that "when prices get baked in like that, it takes us a little bit of time for us to undo some of the damage."

He listed some of the Trump administration's actions to address affordability, including ending taxes on social security, tips and overtime pay. "TrumpRx has almost 800 medications ... the most significant reduction in drug costs in 60 years."

He then contrasted that with policies Democrats have been talking about implementing. 

"If you think inflation and affordability is a problem, we're doing everything we can to bring down prices. Democrats say they want to undo taxes, increase taxes on social security and tips," Vance continued.

"While they're out there bragging they'll reverse these policies," Vance added, "we're saying, we're gonna double down on things that'll make prescription drugs more affordable."

At one point, Vance also called on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, echoing something President Trump has been bullish about. “We’re doing a lot of things to try to keep those interest rates down, but it would be nice to have some help from the Federal Reserve,” Vance told reporters.

Vance also took a moment to praise Leavitt. "She's gonna do great in whatever she does next and we're very grateful to her," the vice president said. "If you're watching, thank you for your service, thank you for your friendship and thanks for doing a great job."

Trump has yet to name a new press secretary. Below, watch a highlight of Vance's remarks on inflation.