JD Vance’s Remarks on Milton Friedman Draw Sharp Criticism on Fox Business

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with The Daily Wire, claimed that Milton Friedman’s ideas made sense mainly in the 1980s and argued that today’s Republican economic policy resembles Alexander Hamilton more than Friedman. He also suggested that meritocracy can distract from what truly matters and critiqued modern British policies under Margaret Thatcher.

Fox Business analysts responded that Vance “does not understand the role of capitalism and investment,” with Liz Peek labeling his remarks a “tongue‑lashing.” Former Trump adviser Stephen Moore echoed the criticism, calling Vance’s stance “big‑government RINO” and far from traditional free‑market principles. The controversy highlights a perceived shift in the vice president’s economic rhetoric away from the free‑market ideas traditionally championed by Friedman.

The episode has spurred commentary across right‑leaning outlets, with some questioning whether Vance’s views signal a broader realignment of Republican economic policy.