Emotions are running high among certain political circles following Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks about California’s Democratic Senator Alex Padilla.
During a press conference in Los Angeles, Vance referred to Senator Padilla as “ Padilla,” igniting a firestorm of controversy.
When asked by a reporter about claims that Democratic lawmakers were being detained by ICE, Vance responded by highlighting the actions of Padilla and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who had previously faced handcuffs from ICE due to their confrontational behavior. Padilla, he noted, had interrupted a press briefing led by Kristi Noem, while Lander had obstructed ICE agents during an arrest.
Vance added, “I was hoping Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately, he didn’t show up because there wasn’t a theater. That’s all it was,” revealing a mix of flippancy and disdain.
WATCH:
It’s safe to say that JD Vance is unbothered.
Shout out to Jose Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) pic.twitter.com/QCI1NxxzEP
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 20, 2025
In response to the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared the clip on X, seemingly aiming to stoke outrage among his followers.
WATCH:
JD Vance served alongside Alex Padilla in the United States Senate. Referring to him as “Jose Padilla” is hardly an accident. pic.twitter.com/UOgdzdKcuy
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 20, 2025
Reacting to Vance’s words, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her discontent, stating, “How DARE you disrespect our senator…calling him Jose. He’s not just anybody to us. He’s our senator.”
BREAKING: LA Mayor Karen Bass reacts intensely after JD Vance referred to Sen. Alex Padilla as “Jose”
“How DARE you disrespect our senator…how dare you disrespect him, call him Jose. He’s not just anybody to us. He’s our senator.” pic.twitter.com/svQYdbKz4F
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 21, 2025
Left-leaning critics quickly accused Vance of harboring racist sentiments.
Referring to Senator Alex Padilla as “Jose Padilla” isn’t just a harmless blunder; it reflects a troubling trend in Trump-aligned politics: subtle jabs that serve to otherize and belittle. JD Vance knows who Padilla is—they served together.
— Fatima Khan (@Fatima_Khatun01) June 20, 2025
Supporters of Vance seem to revel in racism sprinkled with a hint of xenophobia.
— He’s Still a Felon (@GabbieKDrice) June 20, 2025
JD Vance served alongside Senator ALEX Padilla, not Jose Padilla. He KNOWS who Senator Padilla is. Racism is evident in his words.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) June 20, 2025
In a staggeringly racist moment, JD Vance calls Senator Alex Padilla “José Padilla.” What an embarrassment.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 20, 2025
Hey, VP Vance, it’s Senator Alex Padilla, not Jose Padilla. Los Angeles doesn’t welcome your ignorance and racism. Keep it away.
— Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) June 20, 2025
