JD Vance just turned a routine White House press briefing into must-watch television. The US Vice President stepped in for a vacationing press secretary and left reporters with a joke nobody saw coming.
JD Vance jokes that Karoline Leavitt will take his position as VP
US Vice President JD Vance jokingly suggested that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt should temporarily take his role, according to Firstpost. Leavitt is currently on maternity leave after giving birth earlier this month. Vance made the quip while standing in for her at Tuesday’s White House press briefing.
“I told Karoline I would stand in for her today for the White House press briefing on the condition that when Usha has our baby in July, that she would be Vice President for a couple of weeks,” Vance said. The remark drew attention online after clips circulated widely on social media. Vance and his wife, Usha, are expecting a child in July. The briefing itself was notably more composed than Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent appearance at the podium. Rubio had taken on the same role just days prior. Vance handled the chaotic question period with considerably more restraint.
Managing a crowded room, Vance randomly selected journalists or used a seating chart to determine who could ask questions. He also asked reporters not to shout over one another during the session. Following Rubio’s approach, he identified reporters by the colours of their clothing.
Vance also joked about his age while navigating the seating chart. “I’ve got my cheat sheet here, so I know who to call on and most importantly who not to call on,” he said. At 41, he admitted he was struggling to read the small print on the document provided to him. Beyond the lighter moments, Vance addressed substantive topics including Iran, artificial intelligence, and a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization fund” established by the Justice Department for Trump allies allegedly wrongfully targeted.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
