Vice President JD Vance made a splash this Halloween by participating in a lighthearted online joke that played on a meme involving himself. In a short video filmed at the Naval Observatory, Vance donned a curly brown wig, reflecting the viral image that has circulated about him for months. He welcomed trick-or-treaters in classic Halloween style, stating, “Happy Halloween, kids … remember, say thank you!” This line was a clever nod to the “you didn’t say thank you” meme that had caught on after a tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February.
The vice president’s post quickly caught fire, garnering over 250,000 likes and an astonishing 14 million views in just a few hours. This kind of engagement is rare for political content, indicating that Vance struck the right chord with his audience. Comments poured in on various social media platforms, with one user proclaiming him “the best VP ever,” while others noted that he had positioned himself favorably for future elections.
The origins of the meme are rooted in Vance being depicted with exaggerated features and wild hair after the encounter with Zelenskyy. Rather than shrink away from the mockery, Vance leaned into it, showcasing a sense of humor that resonates well—not just with his supporters, but even with some critics. Earlier in the week, the White House’s own social media account had chimed in, posting mock costume packages that included a “JD Vance Costume” sans the infamous curly hair. Vance’s own contribution to the Halloween fun completed this digital gag, earning him applause online.
As soon as the video was posted, it trended and was quickly remixed and shared, with users adding effects and jump cuts to the original clip. This enthusiasm highlights how Vance, by taking charge of his narrative, managed to turn a source of ridicule into a moment of triumph.
Elon Musk, a frequent influencer in the digital space, even joined the fun, responding with a laughing emoji, a testament to the widely shared amusement the video sparked. The vice president’s playful approach dovetails smoothly with a digital strategy that has become a hallmark of the Trump administration, which has embraced meme culture and humor to engage with the public.
Vance’s Halloween post demonstrates a savvy understanding of today’s media landscape, where humor can serve not only as a barrier-breaking tool but also as a strategy for personal branding. By effectively responding to a meme that once mocked him, Vance has solidified his image as a politician willing to embrace the bizarreities of online culture. For now, he has managed to turn a moment of online mockery into a significant personal win, showcasing that even the vice president knows how to join in on the joke, curly wig and all.
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