'Lowest we've ever gone': Outrage as JD Vance takes over Charlie Kirk podcast

Vice President JD Vance announced Sunday night that he would be hosting Monday’s episode of the “Charlie Kirk Show” in the wake of the right-wing influencer’s killing last week. The plan sparked online outrage and scorn, including from one prominent figure in the MAGA base.

Former supporter of President Donald Trump Jacob Chansley, known for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot where he was seen storming the Capitol wearing a bison-horned fur headdress, condemned Vance’s announcement, and argued that it was an attempt to deflect attention away from efforts to release files on Jeffrey Epstein.

“Dude… REAL ALPHAS don't do that s---, gross!” Chansley wrote on X Sunday night. “NO MARINE EITHER… you're clearly not in charge!”

Vance was a close friend to Kirk, and personally escorted his casket to its final resting place in Phoenix, Arizona on Air Force Two last week. He’s already urged Republican donors to help the GOP “win” in the 2026 midterms as a way to “honor Charlie," and on Sunday he said he would be paying “tribute” to Kirk while hosting Monday’s episode of the “Charlie Kirk Show.”

Individuals online, however, were quick to mock Vance for taking the time to host a podcast despite his duties as vice president.

“This is the lowest we've ever gone as a nation,” wrote X user Ava, whose profile says they’re a developer and graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, and has amassed more than 1,500 followers. “Vice president hosting a racist podcast.”

Some online critics responded with sarcasm, such as Jim Stewartson, a journalist and podcast host, who wrote to their more than 133,000 followers on X “can’t wait,” alongside a photo featuring a heavily-edited depiction of Vance with a fatter face and longer hair, which has become a popular online meme.

And others pointed to Vance’s decision to dedicate time to hosting a conservative podcast, rather than carry out his vice presidential duties.