MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Vice President JD Vance and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson exchanged sharp words Wednesday, but not face-to-face, over the federal investigation into Milwaukee’s handling of the 2020 presidential election.
Before Vance’s visit to Milwaukee, Johnson sent the vice president a letter defending the city’s election system and inviting him to meet with local election officials to see firsthand how elections are conducted.
In the letter, Johnson wrote that repeated false claims about election integrity have undermined public confidence in elections and said he knew of “no justification” for the FBI’s investigation into Milwaukee election officials.
During remarks at the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Refueling Wing, Vance responded to the mayor’s invitation, saying he would be willing to meet with Johnson in Washington.
“I did get the letter from the mayor of Milwaukee, and he wants to meet. He’s welcome to come to Washington, D.C. I’ll sit down and meet with him,” Vance said. He added that Johnson was protesting “too much” by raising election issues when Vance said his visit was focused on combating financial fraud.
Following Vance’s remarks, Johnson issued another statement criticizing the vice president.
“The Vice President and his political accomplices continue to raise false claims regarding election integrity,” said Johnson.
The mayor again challenged the Trump administration to provide evidence of voter fraud in Milwaukee and questioned why FBI agents have been interviewing current and former election officials.
Johnson also said he plans to be in Washington the week of September 21 and looks forward to meeting with Vance then.
The FBI has been investigating aspects of Milwaukee’s administration of the 2020 election, including absentee ballots, though officials have not publicly announced any findings or allegations of widespread voter fraud.