Vance Mocks Sen. Alex Padilla By Calling Him “Jose”

The New York Times reports:

Eight days ago, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a news conference and handcuffed by federal agents after he interrupted Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles.

At the same building on Friday, Vice President JD Vance disparaged Mr. Padilla for engaging in “political theater” and called him by the wrong name.

“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,” Mr. Vance said during a news conference in response to a reporter. “I think everybody realizes that’s what this is. It’s pure political theater.”

Read the full article.

JD Vance served with Alex Padilla in the United States Senate.

Calling him “Jose Padilla” is not an accident. pic.twitter.com/UOgdzdKcuy

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 20, 2025

“Mr. Vice President, how dare you disrespect our senator.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemns Vice President Vance for referring to Sen. Alex Padilla ‘José Padilla.’ pic.twitter.com/USapVdDuDM

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) June 21, 2025

Vance: I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question but unfortunately I guess he decided not show up because there wasn’t the theater. We ought to laugh them out of the building. pic.twitter.com/el8wLL7YJg

— Acyn (@Acyn) June 20, 2025