Vice President JD Vance criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for attempting to mimic former President Trump’s social media style, while defending the administration’s crackdown on crime in Washington, DC.
Speaking on Fox News Wednesday evening, Vance argued that Newsom’s recent online posts miss the core of Trump’s political appeal. “Trump’s authenticity sets him apart,” Vance said, adding that Democrats are misguided in trying to imitate his tone and style instead of presenting their own vision.
The comments followed a series of posts from Newsom’s press office that adopted Trump-style messaging, including all-caps statements and the nickname “Just Dance Vance” for the vice president.
Earlier Wednesday, Vance visited National Guard troops stationed at Union Station alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The troops were deployed as part of the administration’s crime reduction initiative in the nation’s capital.
Protesters gathered outside chanting “Free DC,” to which Vance responded that Washington should be freed from lawlessness, not from security enforcement. He argued Americans “do not have to live with third-world murder rates,” saying cities can be restored to safety through strong enforcement measures.
Vance recalled bringing his children to Union Station in past years, describing encounters with violent vagrants that frightened his family. He praised National Guard troops for restoring order to the transportation hub.
According to Vance, violent crime in Washington has dropped 35 percent in the nine days since President Trump ordered the security crackdown. Roughly 2,000 National Guard troops from multiple states have been deployed to assist law enforcement.
The vice president also suggested the administration may extend federal control of DC police beyond the initial 30-day period if needed to maintain public safety.
