As Vance rallies with Turning Point in Georgia, some supporters bristle at Trump's war, memes and feuds

Vice President JD Vance speaks during a Turning Point USA event at Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in Athens, Ga., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool via AP)

ATHENS, Georgia (AP) — Fresh from a marathon trip to Pakistan that failed to reach a deal for ending the war with Iran, Vice President JD Vance jetted to Athens, Georgia, for a campus tour organized by the conservative powerhouse Turning Point USA.

But instead of showcasing the youthful energy that the organization harnessed to return President Donald Trump to the White House less than two years ago, there was a mostly empty arena, awkward questions and unusually sharp criticism.

The event affirmed Trump’s difficulty selling the war and how much he’s complicated his own political fortunes by assailing Pope Leo XIV and posting a social media meme that depicted himself as Jesus.