Kathrine Frich
Since becoming Donald Trump’s vice president, JD Vance has become a frequent subject of online mockery and relentless memes.
Critics have pointed to awkward public moments and stiff media appearances, turning him into one of the most lampooned figures in the administration.
Vance has responded by presenting himself as a witness to the unpredictable rhythm of life inside Trump’s White House.
Recently he shared a story during an interview in which he described one of the more unusual scenes he encountered in the Oval Office.
Behind the scenes
Speaking on the Benny Show, Vance said people often ask him what it is like to be vice president.
He explained that most meetings unfold exactly as viewers might expect from televised coverage or official briefings.
At times, however, he experiences moments that he described as unforgettable.
Vance recounted a day when he sat with Trump and Senator Marco Rubio discussing what he called something really important.
In the middle of the discussion, he said Trump suddenly paused the conversation and insisted they focus on something that he believed mattered more.
According to Vance, the President then announced that the subject was shoes.
An unusual interruption
Vance recalled Trump looking over the Resolute Desk and telling him and Rubio, “Marco, JD, you guys have bad shoes.”
He said Trump then produced a catalogue and began selecting pairs as gifts.
Vance explained that another politician in the room remained unnamed for reasons that soon became clear.
The President asked each man for his shoe size. Vance said Rubio wore an eleven and a half and that he himself wore a size thirteen.
The third politician replied that he wore a size seven. Vance repeated Trump’s response: “You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.”
Public response
The story circulated widely online and quickly produced new memes about Vance.
Supporters described the exchange as typical of Trump’s spontaneous humour.
Critics framed it as another example of the President shifting attention away from serious matters.
Vance said the encounter was one of those behind the scenes experiences he would remember for the rest of his life.
Sources: The Benny Show interview, Daily Star.
