JD Vance identified as source behind report cited in Politico White House ban

US Vice President JD Vance has been identified as the anonymous administration official who provided information to Politico about the prospects of a preliminary agreement to end the Iran war, according to Status.

The revelation comes after the White House cited the June Politico report among six articles it said violated its expectations for coverage and contributed to the decision to restrict Politico’s access to the White House.

Status reported that Vance told journalists during an official press call that there was an 80 to 85 per cent chance of reaching a preliminary agreement with Iran. The journalists had agreed to identify him only as a senior administration official.

The White House later described the publication of what it considered sensitive national-security information as a concern. However, reporting cited by Status indicates the briefing was organised by the White House and that participating journalists were given anonymity terms before the call.

The identification has raised questions about the administration’s justification for restricting Politico’s access.