Vance Attacked For Calling Democrat What?
LOS ANGELES — Vice President JD Vance is under fire from California Democrats after mistakenly referring to Democrat Senator Alex Padilla as “Jose” during a press conference addressing the Trump administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration and ICE operations.
“I thought Jose Padilla might show up to ask a question,” Vice President Vance remarked on Friday, alluding to Padilla’s ejection from a recent Department of Homeland Security event. “Looks like he skipped it—maybe because there wasn’t a stage to perform on,” he added, prompting a range of reactions from the audience.
Democrats Cry Foul Over Name Slip
Liberal politicians quickly seized the moment. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) called the remark intentional, claiming racial disrespect. “Calling him ‘Jose Padilla’ is not an accident,” Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter, demanding the vice president debate him face-to-face.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also weighed in, claiming the remark had racial undertones. “He may have just looked like anybody to you, but to us, he is our senator,” Bass said. She later added online, “Mr. Vice President, how dare you disrespect Senator Padilla? You know who he is.”
Vance Fires Back: No Apology, Just Facts
Vice President Vance’s office dismissed the outrage, calling it an overblown political stunt. Spokeswoman Taylor Van Kirk clarified: “He likely confused him with another person involved in illegal activity — an innocent mistake.”
Many conservatives have applauded Vance for staying focused on law enforcement and border security despite the media frenzy.
Trump Administration Stands Firm on Law and Order
The controversy unfolded just one day after a federal appeals court ruled in favor of President Trump, allowing continued federal oversight of California’s National Guard amid violent protests linked to ICE activity.
California’s Democrat leaders, including Newsom and Bass, have begged the Trump administration to withdraw National Guard and Marine units from Los Angeles — claiming the city is “safe” without federal presence. But recent crime surges and footage of destructive protests tell a different story.
Meanwhile, liberal lawmakers continue to push investigations into ICE detention centers and accuse federal agents of using excessive force — even against members of Congress during oversight visits.
