Vice President J.D. Vance told voters Thursday that the administration recognizes the ongoing strain of high costs and is continuing efforts to bring prices down, offering one of the Trump administration’s most direct acknowledgments of economic frustration to date, as reported by the Independent Journal Review.

Speaking at a Breitbart News event, Vance said the White House has made progress but added that Americans should expect more work ahead.

According to The Associated Press, Vance said the administration has “a lot more work to do” and urged voters to give Republicans “a little bit of patience” as they advance their economic agenda.

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“We hear you,” he said. “As much progress as we’ve made, it’s going to take a little bit of time for every American to feel that economic boom, which we really do believe is coming.”

Vice President JD Vance on the economy:

“It’s gonna take a little bit of time for every American to feel that economic boom we really do believe is coming. We believe that we’re on the frontend of it, but we recognize that we’ve got a lot of work to do.”pic.twitter.com/Jttg6cUow6

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) November 20, 2025

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His comments come as Republicans continue working to sharpen their message on affordability — an issue that played a major role in recent gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Voters in both states listed the cost of living as a leading concern, underscoring challenges facing the party heading into next year’s midterm elections.

Vance argued that President Donald Trump has “made incredible progress” reversing former President Joe Biden’s policies and setting the stage for stronger economic growth. He also acknowledged that many Americans still face higher costs in everyday purchases.

Trump has regularly cited lower gas and egg prices as evidence of improvement and has dismissed Democrats’ affordability messaging as “a con job.” More recently, he has also said there remains “room” for further price declines.

During the discussion, Vance was asked about recent internal tensions within the Make America Great Again coalition, including Trump’s public break with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and questions surrounding Trump’s decision not to distance himself from Nick Fuentes, who recently appeared in a friendly interview with commentator Tucker Carlson.

Vance did not specifically address those disputes but said internal disagreements are expected within a large political movement. “It’s totally reasonable for the people who make up this coalition to argue,” he said.

He added that differing views can be productive as long as the movement remains focused on what he described as “a radical leftist movement” that he believes threatens shared priorities.

“Have our debates — but focus on the enemy, so that we can win victories that matter for the American people,” Vance said.

Looking ahead to the midterm elections, Vance emphasized that Republican unity and a strong message will be essential. He warned that working-class voters who strongly support Trump do not always vote in midterm cycles.

“I think that’s one of the lessons that we learned in Virginia and New Jersey,” he said.

“When Donald Trump is not on the ballot, you’ve got to give people something to actually believe in, something to be inspired by. They’re not going to vote just because you have an ‘R’ next to your name.”

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