‘President likes to have a little fun’: JD Vance defends Donald Trump’s AI-generated video of Hakeem Jeffries; calls it a ‘joke’

JD Vance (AP), Hakeem Jeffries (actualDonaldTrump)

Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday dismissed criticism over AI-generated movies shared by President Donald Trump that depicted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sporting a sombrero. Vance characterised the movies as a “joke”, rejecting accusations from Democrats that the posts have been offensive.“I think it’s funny. The president’s joking and we’re having a good time,” Vance stated at a White House press convention when requested by a reporter how the photographs aligned with the administration’s claims that it stays dedicated to negotiating with Democratic leaders in good religion, as cited by Reuters.“You can negotiate in good faith while also poking a little bit of fun at some of the absurdities of the Democrats’ positions, and even, you know, poking some fun at the absurdity of the Democrats themselves,” he added. He emphasised that the individuals have been absolutely conscious Jeffries had not really appeared on the White House sporting a sombrero and a “black curly animation mustache.”“We’re all trying to do a very important job for the American people,” he stated. “The president of the United States likes to have a little bit of fun when he’s doing it. And I think that’s OK.”The video, posted on Monday, alleges that Democrats are looking for to supply free well being care to undocumented immigrants. It portrays Jeffries, who’s Black, as Mexican, accompanied by mariachi music within the background.“Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out through a racist and fake AI video,” Jeffries stated Tuesday in remarks on the Capitol, as reported by the New York Times. “When I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”Vance stated that there was just one solution to put an finish to the memes.“I mean, I’ll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now, I make this solemn promise to you that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop,” he stated. “And I’ve talked to the president of the United States about that.”