Brianna Keilar Retracts JD Vance Swipe Amidst Criticism: He “Served Honorably in Iraq”
In the Face of Backlash, Anchor Clarifies on Vance’s Military Record
In a surprising turn of events, well-known media figure Brianna Keilar has retracted her earlier claims suggesting that Senator JD Vance, R-Ohio, had misrepresented his military service. Keilar reversed her comments in the face of mounting backlash and emphasized Vance’s honorable service in Iraq.
Keilar’s Reversal
Keilar began a monologue on Friday stating that both criticism against Vance’s service and the campaign against Tim Walz were offensive. Highlighting the hazards of serving in a combat zone such as Iraq, she recognized that Vance had served honorably despite not having experienced any direct fighting. She further criticized the attempts to undermine veterans’ service, arguing that in a nation where a small portion shoulders the burden of military service, their contributions should be seen as an asset, not a liability.
Vance’s Reaction on Social Media
Keilar’s original comments sparked a heated reaction from Vance, who expressed his disgust on social media platforms and demanded an apology from the news network. Vance has previously stated clearly that he never directly engaged in a firefight, and he has always spoken truthfully about his Marine Corps service.
Walz’s Military Record Under Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding Vance’s military service coincides with another controversy involving Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz has faced scrutiny for repeatedly referring to himself as a “retired command sergeant major,” despite his true rank upon retirement being Master Sergeant. Additionally, Walz faced criticism for allegedly retiring earlier than planned to avoid deploying to Iraq.
The Portrayal of Veterans in Politics
These recent episodes underscore the significance of military service in American politics and the subsequent scrutiny that public figures endure over their military records. Drawing from her personal experience as part of a military family, Keilar highlighted the importance of truthful representation of military service. She expressed her respect for those who have served and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices they have made.
Conclusion
The recanting of Keilar’s remarks about Vance underscores the sensitivity of discussing military records, particularly when they concern public figures. It underlines the importance of precision in public discussions about military services and the consequences of misleading or misrepresenting information. As the controversy involving Vance and Walz continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between critique and respect when discussing military service.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
