Vice President JD Vance Sparks Controversy With Obscene Gesture During Televised Speech
Vice President JD Vance is facing backlash after making a controversial hand gesture during a televised speech—just hours after President Trump made waves for using explicit language in front of reporters.
The incident occurred Tuesday night (June 24) during a Republican fundraising dinner in Vance’s home state of Ohio. While addressing the crowd, Vance raised his middle finger in reference to critics in Washington, D.C.
“I know it’s not always easy to be a political candidate, trust me,” Vance said, according to The Daily Beast. “In Washington, D.C., they have this thing, I think it means we’re No. 1.” He then raised his middle finger and continued, “All the pink-haired people throw up this sign and I think that means we’re No. 1, right? I choose to take it that way.”
The gesture, caught on national television, sparked swift condemnation online. Critics labeled the moment “immature,” “unprofessional,” and “beneath the office,” with one social media post reading, “Remember when our leaders used to set an example instead of acting like internet trolls?”
Others noted the broader implications, calling the stunt “embarrassing” in light of the international tensions the administration is currently addressing.
Vance’s remark came shortly after President Trump delivered a heated response to reporters regarding the delicate ceasefire between Israel and Iran—an exchange that also drew scrutiny for the president’s use of strong language.
As of now, neither the White House nor Vance’s office has issued a formal response to the controversy.
🚨 LMAO! JD Vance throws up the MIDDLE FINGER live on TV
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 25, 2025
"In D.C., they have this thing where – I think it means we're number one – all the pink-haired people throw up this sign… *throws up middle finger*"pic.twitter.com/m5oWcWX0p6
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are facing criticism following a series of controversial remarks and gestures that many say reflect poorly on the administration during a sensitive time in global affairs.
On Tuesday, when asked whether Iran had broken the terms of a recent ceasefire and whether peace was still possible, Trump responded bluntly: “Yes, I do believe [Iran is still committed to peace]. They violated it, but Israel violated it too.”
He went on to criticize Israel’s actions immediately after the agreement was made. “As soon as we made the deal, Israel came out and dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I had never seen before,” Trump said. “I’m not happy with Israel. When I say you have 12 hours, you don’t go out in the first hour and drop everything you have.”
According to The Independent, Trump became more heated when pressed by reporters, saying, “We basically have two countries that have been fighting for so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f**k they’re doing. Do you understand that?”
Later that day, Trump attempted to ease concerns by posting on Truth Social that the ceasefire was still intact:
“ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt. The Ceasefire is in effect!”
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance drew attention for making an obscene hand gesture during a speech at a Republican dinner in Ohio. While discussing political critics in Washington, he said, “In Washington, D.C., they have this thing, I think it means we’re No. 1,” before raising his middle finger. “All the pink-haired people throw up this sign and I think that means we’re No. 1, right? I choose to take it that way.”
The gesture, broadcast on national television, was widely criticized as inappropriate and unprofessional.
Together, the incidents have raised questions about the tone and conduct of the current administration, especially as it navigates complex international challenges.
