Media Meltdown: JD Vance Dismantles ABC’s Bribery Smear and Exposes Selective Outrage

When Scandal Isn’t Enough: ABC’s George Stephanopoulos Goes Head-to-Head with JD Vance—And Loses

In what can only be described as a masterclass in media spin, ABC’s George Stephanopoulos found himself on the receiving end of a calm but devastating takedown by JD Vance, exposing exactly how establishment media manufactures controversy when facts don’t cooperate.

The spark? An FBI surveillance tape allegedly showing Tom Holman accepting $50,000 in cash—a story ABC couldn’t drop, even though no charges, no released tape, and no evidence ever materialized. JD Vance didn’t just dispute the claim; he dismantled the network’s motives, pointing out that the relentless pursuit of Holman was more about punishing someone for enforcing immigration laws than about actual wrongdoing.

As Stephanopoulos pushed the bribery angle, Vance turned the tables:

“You’re insinuating criminal wrongdoing against a guy who has done nothing wrong instead of focusing on the fact that our country is struggling because our government’s shut down.”

Vance’s refusal to play the game was clear. He called out ABC for ignoring real issues—like the government shutdown hurting families—in favor of hyping a scandal with no substance. When Stephanopoulos tried to revive the tape story, Vance’s response was blunt:

“There’s no evidence of that. And here’s why fewer and fewer people watch your program and why you’re losing credibility.”

The interview quickly descended into chaos, with Stephanopoulos eventually rage-quitting after failing to get the answer he wanted. But the spectacle didn’t end there. The segment also touched on recent indictments, mortgage fraud allegations, and the selective application of justice. Vance pointed out how the Trump DOJ applies the law evenly, while Democrats seem to weaponize it for political ends.

Perhaps the most telling moment was when Stephanopoulos waved around a ProPublica blog post as if it were gospel, only for Vance to dismiss it as a “far-left blog” and redirect the conversation to the actual facts and legal process.

Why This Matters:
This exchange is a perfect example of how the media tries to shape narratives, often ignoring the real concerns of everyday Americans. Instead of discussing the impact of a government shutdown, the focus was on a months-old, unproven bribery rumor. Vance’s approach—asking for evidence, questioning sources, and spotlighting real issues—was a refreshing counter to the usual media playbook.

Your Turn:
Did JD Vance expose the selective outrage and narrative-building of establishment media? Is this what journalism has become—headline chasing over substance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you want more breakdowns of media spin, like and subscribe for the best bits without the hours of propaganda.