Conservative author Rod Dreher recounted a private 2025 conversation with Vice President JD Vance, revealing a personal conflict with far-right activist Nick Fuentes. According to Dreher, Vance expressed personal hatred toward Fuentes, citing attacks Fuentes made against Vance’s Indian-American wife. However, Vance also acknowledged the political consequences of directly confronting Fuentes, whose young, disaffected conservative followers could react negatively in public.

Fuentes, leader of the antisemitic “Groyper Army,” has increasingly targeted establishment Republicans, gaining traction in GOP circles. Dreher’s November 12, 2025, Free Press article highlighted Fuentes’ influence in Republican primaries and urged Vance to take a leadership role in opposing extremist elements within the party.

The private exchange, as described by Dreher, illustrates the delicate balance Vance faces: managing personal grievances while navigating the political implications of addressing a rising far-right figure whose base is both vocal and active. Analysts and party observers note that the situation reflects broader challenges within the GOP as establishment figures contend with the growing influence of fringe movements.