FILE Ñ Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks in Bangor, Maine, May 14, 2026. The vice president has dispensed with the decorum and restraint of his predecessors to directly take on opponents and journalists on social media with sometimes profane and often personal jabs. (Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times)

Vice President JD Vance appears to have a natural appetite for conflict, the product of a generation that grew up with gladiatorial political instincts.

PHOTO: TIERNEY L. CROSS/NYTIMES

Peter Baker

Published Aug 10, 2026, 02:15 PM

Updated Aug 10, 2026, 02:15 PM

Vice President JD Vance frequently uses personal insults and fat-shaming in social media conflicts, breaking traditional norms of political decorum.
Vance’s combative online style contrasts with his more measured public appearances and is seen as appealing to a tech-savvy, confrontational generation.
Critics say his behaviour undermines civil discourse, while allies claim it shows authenticity and accessibility, reflecting influence from President Trump’s approach.

AI generated

WASHINGTON – It was hardly the first time that someone on social media called someone else fat. But it may have been the first time that a vice president of the United States did so.

Peeved at a conservative columnist who criticised his position on Iran, Vice President JD Vance jabbed on Wednesday at his physical appearance.

Insults, Expletives and Fat-Shaming: Vance Trolls Critics on the Right and Left

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