President Trump was furious with Vice President JD Vance last summer after Vance declined to fully repeat Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear program had been “completely obliterated” following the U.S. strike on Iran, according to a new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

The book, Regime Change, describes Trump’s frustration after Vance used more cautious language about the damage from the strike. In excerpts published by Politico, Trump is quoted as telling an associate: “Everybody has to say ‘obliterated.’ That’s the word. Everybody just has to copy what I say. Obliterated. Obliterated.”

The incident took place hours after the American strike on Iran, known as Operation Midnight Hammer. Asked on ABC whether Iran’s nuclear facilities had been completely destroyed, Vance said: “Heavy damage versus total destruction, I’m not really sure what the difference is. What we do know is that we significantly set back their nuclear program.”

Vance’s careful wording reportedly came amid early intelligence leaks suggesting the damage to the facilities did not fully match Trump’s sweeping public claims.

A day later, Vance appeared on Fox News and repeatedly used the word “obliterated.”

The book also describes tension between Trump and Vance on the night of the operation. Vance, an Iraq War veteran and longtime critic of U.S. military interventions overseas, was described as anxious that the strike could lead to a prolonged conflict. When Vance suggested softening Trump’s planned address, Trump reportedly snapped: “I know what I’m doing,” turned his back, and walked away.

The White House rejected the claims. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Vance is a trusted and talented member of the national security team and that his loyalty to Trump is unquestionable. A senior White House official also denied the account, saying Trump never turned his back on Vance.

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