Vice President Vance speaks in North Carolina with focus on economy

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Vice President JD Vance visited North Carolina on Friday, where the economy was the central theme.

The event was held in Rocky Mount at the Power House, an event venue right off the Tar River. Much of his remarks centered on the economy, including effects from the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

"After the first year of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans' leadership, we are rebuilding the American dream, and we are taking back this country for the people of this state," Vance said.

Vance spoke for about 30 minutes and pointed to inflation rates, tax cuts, and Social Security while emphasizing job creation, one of the stated reasons behind the White House's move to implement tariffs.

"If you're building a furniture facility, a furniture business right here in the state of North Carolina, we're going to cut your taxes," Vance said. "But if you're trying to bring in foreign furniture to undercut the jobs of the people in North Carolina, we're going to raise your taxes by 50%. We're going to put a big, fat tariff on those foreign companies bringing that stuff in the United States."

Vance worked to highlight the work of the Trump administration.

"We've seen the cost of rents drop for six months in a row. We've seen the average tax refund that's going to come to the people of North Carolina, about $3,700 per family," he said.

The message was generally well-received by attendees.

"Well, we heard a great message from the vice president about local issues, about supporting eastern North Carolina and western North Carolina, and the way forward," said Sam Safadi. " And I think it was an optimistic message."

In a statement, the Democratic National Committee hit the Trump administration over tariffs:

"Donald Trump's disastrous economic agenda has crushed working families," the DNC said. "Prices continue to rise, and consumers are spending more for less - all while everyday Americans foot the bill for Trump's tariffs, and pay for his chaotic war of choice with Iran."

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll released last month found that 29% of respondents said the economy has improved since Trump took office, while 48% said it has gotten worse. Though those numbers reflect an improvement from last year, economic concerns remain a significant challenge for the administration as it heads into the midterm election cycle.

"The economy is weighing on everyone's mind," said Mary Helen Warren, president of the Tar River Republican Women. "Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, unaffiliated, doesn't matter. If you're paying bills, you're worried about the economy."

Roughly 200 people attended the event, with most seats filled nearly two hours before the vice president's scheduled appearance. Among those in attendance were State Auditor Dave Boliek and Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.

Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler introduced the vice president on-stage. Laurie Buckhout, the Republican candidate in the 1st Congressional District, and North Carolina Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley also spoke prior to Vance's remarks. Both candidates have received the endorsement of President Trump, with the vice president further highlighting the races.

"We'll continue to highlight, as you mentioned, the importance of North Carolina, the importance of the first congressional district, to continue to make sure that President Trump has the support he needs to pursue his agenda as he goes into the next two years," said Jason Simmons, NCGOP chairman.

Vance did address the ongoing military operation in Iran briefly at the end of his speech, though he largely focused on other issues.

"Right now, we are engaged in a military operation to ensure, as the president has said repeatedly, that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. That is a simple, simple principle and standard. Frankly, every president said that they believed it. Donald J. Trump has taken affirmative steps to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," said Vance.

"I was looking to hear more from him," Safadi said. "He did say a little bit about supporting, obviously, our troops. But I wanted to hear more."

The vice president did answer one question about the domestic impact of the military operation.

"What the president has said very clearly is he does not like higher oil prices, and neither do I, but he also believes we're going to make the American people safer," Vance said.

He specifically pointed to efforts led by the Department of Energy and the Treasury Department to address those elevated gas prices.

Attendees voiced their backing of the military operation.

"I'm supportive of it. Like I said, I'm former Navy, and I've been over there once before myself during a time of conflict. So I'd like to see it get resolved. I know people from all walks of life. You know, these people deserve freedom," said James Hill, an attendee.

"We have to just snuff out terrorism when we can. And that is what he is doing," added Warren.

This was Vance's second trip to North Carolina since becoming vice president. He spoke in Concord in September about public safety in the wake of the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.

ABC11's Michael Perchick contributed from Rocky Mount.