Vice President JD Vance recently took part in an online discourse concerning inflation. However, he sparked a few reactions after targeting one commenter’s weight. Since then, people have been sharing their own reactions on social media.
The Conversation Was Sparked After An Anecdote Was Shared By A Turning Point USA Spokesperson
Vance is currently the 50th vice president of the United States, serving as part of President Donald Trump’s second presidency. He previously represented the state of Ohio in the United States Senate from 2023 to 2025.
Prior to this, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a military journalist until 2007. He also previously rose to prominence for his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.
Recently, Vance has come under fire over an online dispute concerning inflation and the price of food. In particular, Vance sparked a reaction after making a comment about columnist and commentator Marc Thiessen on X.
The conversation started when Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet shared an anecdote about a student upset over a $20 burrito. At the time, he posted, “One of our TPUSA college students gave me his take on affordability: ‘A burrito shouldn’t cost $20.’” This itself was shared in reference to a Matt Walsh comment on inflation.
Some Noted On Social Media That Marc Thiessen’s Comments Had Been In Defense Of President Donald Trump’s Administration
Following this, Thiessen dismissed it by writing, “Cry me a river. The burritos in the college cafeteria are included in your meal plan.”
Vance then responded to his with a comment targeting Thiessen’s weight. As he shared, “I’m surprised to hear Mark [sic] say this. If you’ve ever met him in person, it’s quite obvious the man has never missed a burrito.”
One of our TPUSA college students gave me his take on affordability:
“A burrito shouldn’t cost $20.”
Yeah, a lot of this is a hangover from Covid and Biden-era inflation, but the lived experience is the same: It just feels like basic things cost too much. https://t.co/GEvmbea57o
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) August 4, 2026
Vance’s comments have since went viral online, drawing a number of responses on social media. Many thought Vance should be more empathetic considering his own struggles with weight. As noted by OK! Magazine, he lost around 30 pounds between his 2022 Senate campaign and late 2024, maintaining this into 2026. This led to him denying claims that he had been using weight-loss medications like Ozempic.
I’m surprised to hear Mark say this. If you’ve ever met him in person, it’s quite obvious the man has never missed a burrito. https://t.co/z4DjKLVZVs
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 5, 2026
Many also compared the vice president’s comments to schoolyard bullying and felt it was inappropriate for a politician to share. Others thought the comments were ignoring a bigger picture, even from commenters who supported Vance politically. Some comments included:
- “JD. This is embarrassing. You’re Vice President. You’re using your account to be hateful. Do you teach your kids to behave this way? Grow up.”
- “The vice president is making fat jokes. That’s how hard America has fallen.”
- “You’re one to talk, Mr Ozempic.”
- “Are you fat-shaming someone? Dude, it’s ok to admit you’ve been a loser your whole f****** life and even the vice presidency hasn’t helped you, but keep on projecting”
- “Im a fan of you and Trump, but the original post’s point by Matt Walsh is correct… grocery prices are still high and kicking our a****. Same for gas, taxes, insurance, homes, etc. If yall dont do something legit, conservs and independents are going to lose interest and not show up next election.”
- “Everyone’s talking about the fat insult while completely ignoring the fact that JD Vance just attacked somebody who was defending Trump.”
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.