U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks next to U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli and Assistant Director in Charge at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-Los Angeles Akil Davis at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
The internet erupted Friday evening after Vice President JD Vance misidentified Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) during a news conference in Los Angeles.
Vance's comments were in response to a question from a reporter asking for comment about the numerous instances where Democratic lawmakers have been detained or arrested by ICE agents at protests and in immigration courts. The reporter asked whether those instances are evidence of whether President Donald Trump's administration is "cracking down on Democrats."
"Well, I wish Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately, I think he decided not to show up because there wasn't a theatre," Vance retorted, referring to the instance when Padilla was handcuffed at a news conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Social media erupted following Vance's gaffe, with several people offering takedowns of the vice president.
"Shocked that @JDVance acting like a smug little p---- would backfire on him," wrote Tommy Vietor, a former National Security Council member from the Obama administration, on X.
"That's SENATOR Alex Padilla. As he clearly identified himself as at the moment in question," former Deputy White House Cabinet Secretary Dan Koh posted on X.
"JD Vance just referred to Senator Alex Padilla as 'Jose Padilla.' Vance is a racist piece of trash. What a disgusting thing to say," progressive political influencer Harry Sisson wrote on X.
"Vance served in the Senate for several years with Alex Padilla. There's only 100 of them, so you'd think he'd remember his first name," another commentator posted on X.
"After landing in LA, Creep Veep and Cabbage Patch Kid JD Vance called Sen. Alex Padilla Jose Padilla, either because he's a dumb--- or just a lowbrow racist," one commenter posted on Bluesky. "Vance was speaking to the official (cess)pool of spineless reporters who will lick any boot for a paycheck. Real journalists weren't allowed."
The popular X account Call to Activism wrote, "MAJOR BREAKING: In a staggeringly racist and disgusting moment, JD Vance refers to Senator Alex Padilla as 'José Padilla.' JD Vance is a complete embarrassment."
Watch the clip below or at this link.
Vance: I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question but unfortunately I guess he decided not show up because there wasn’t the theater. We ought to laugh them out of the building. pic.twitter.com/el8wLL7YJg
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 20, 2025