Trump VP Vance Calls Sen. Alex Padilla ‘Jose Padilla’ — Then Doubles Down In Crack To CNN
Trump Vice President JD Vance referred to Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) as “Jose Padilla” — who is a convicted terrorist serving time in prison — then doubled down through a spokesman in a snarky statement to CNN.
Sen. Padilla found himself at the center of a maelstrom when he tried to ask a question last Thursday at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s briefing on ICE protests in Los Angeles and was brought to the ground and handcuffed by Secret Service and FBI agents. Noem and her agents falsely claimed Padilla didn’t identify himself as a U.S. senator and accused him of “lunging” in a threatening manner.
The incident sparked widespread shock and criticism.
On Friday, Vance answered questions during a visit to Los Angeles, and called Sen. Padilla “Jose” as he referenced the incident:
In a statement to CNN, Vance spokesperson Taylor Van Kirk cracked wise about the incident:
KAITLAN COLLINS: Vice President, JD Vance, is on his way back to Washington, from Los Angeles, right now, after he was there on the ground, defending President Trump’s decision to take over the National Guard, and bypass Governor Gavin Newsom, by deploying them during those protests. And as he was speaking to reporters tonight, JD Vance took aim at California Democratic senator, Alex Padilla, after he was forcefully removed from that press conference that was being held by the Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JD VANCE (R), U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question. But unfortunately, I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn’t the theater. And that’s all it is, you know. I think everybody realizes that’s what this is, it’s pure political theater.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Of course, when the Vice President said Jose Padilla, it raised some questions there. We did just hear from a Vance spokesperson, a few moments ago, who said, quote, He must have mixed up two people who have broken the law.
Watch above via NBC and CNN.
