California Governor Gavin Newsom has unleashed a scathing attack on Vice President JD Vance, labeling him a 'lightweight' following a series of public setbacks. Newsom's commentary comes in the wake of Vance's failed negotiations with Iran and his ill-fated trip to Hungary, where he campaigned for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The Hungarian opposition party, Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, achieved a landslide victory, which some suggest was influenced by Vance's presence on the ground.
Newsom's personal X account post read, 'JD Vance proves he’s a lightweight twice in 48 hours.' He continued, 'Congratulations to the people of Hungary -- democracy, free press, and human rights win today. There is hope.' This sentiment reflects a broader Democratic narrative, with Minority Leader of the United States Senate Chuck Schumer sharing a post that mocked Vance's political standing, suggesting he should be on the campaign trail instead.
The failed negotiations with Iran further exacerbated Vance's position. President Trump, who deployed Vance to negotiate, threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil supplies. Despite the negotiations' collapse, Trump claimed he was unbothered, stating, 'I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine.'
Newsom's comments highlight a growing Democratic critique of Vance's effectiveness and his association with controversial figures. The governor's personal commentary adds a layer of political commentary, suggesting a broader dissatisfaction with Vance's role in international diplomacy and his alignment with dictators. This incident underscores the complex dynamics within American politics and the international relations landscape.
