Additional Coverage:
- JD Vance slammed over 9/11 remark as viewers ask ‘where in God’s name do you find these people?’ (irishstar.com)
Fox News abruptly cut away from Vice President JD Vance’s speech on Monday, August 31, after just a few minutes, following a controversial remark he made about the upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Vance was speaking at a GOP rally in Sterling Heights, Michigan, promoting candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.
During his address, Vance referred to the solemn anniversary in a way that many viewers found insensitive. He said, “We’re about to celebrate the 25th year, or… commemorate the 25th year, of those terrible terrorist attacks, and celebrate all those brave heroes who made it; frankly, as terrible as it was, it could’ve been so much worse.” The use of the word “celebrate” in connection with the tragic event sparked immediate backlash on social media.
Critics were quick to express their dismay. One viewer wrote, “Thousands of people died, let’s celebrate?
Seriously, America, where do you find these people to represent you?” Another commented on the poor wording, stating, “I know what he was trying to say, but it’s amazing how badly he expressed it.
I’d hesitate to believe someone who went through a lobotomy would speak this poorly, let alone the Vice President.” Others emphasized the need for respect and remembrance rather than celebration, highlighting the pain still felt by families affected by 9/11.
The rally focused largely on key Michigan races, including the governor’s contest where Republican Rep. John James is running, and the Senate race featuring Republican Senator Mike Rogers against progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Vance used the event, organized by the Make America Great Again Super PAC, to criticize El-Sayed, labeling him “evil” and accusing him of promoting divisive policies.
“This guy is a goldmine of content, but unfortunately, it’s a goldmine of content of him fighting against the interests of the people in this room,” Vance said. He added that El-Sayed’s approach to politics threatens national unity by pitting groups against each other, which Vance warned could “destroy the United States of America.”
Notably, Vance did not address the escalating trade tensions with Canada sparked by a controversial move from the White House renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” Instead, the focus remained squarely on election matters and rallying support for Trump-backed candidates.
The incident highlights the precarious position Vance finds himself in, as his wife recently acknowledged he lives under intense public scrutiny. Meanwhile, viewers and critics alike continue to debate the appropriateness of his choice of words during such a solemn remembrance.