Vice President JD Vance has been a busy man at the White House since his inauguration.
In late February, Vance was at the center of the now-infamous White House meeting that ended abruptly between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, when Vance told him that Ukraine wasn’t grateful enough to the United States.
Now Vance is the center of another White House “controversy” after cameras caught the Vice President in a lighthearted wardrobe malfunction.
During yesterday’s Oval Office meeting with Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin, President Donald Trump abruptly stopped his comments to the press to comment on Vance’s attire.
Specifically, the Vice President’s socks — which were apparently distracting.
During the press briefing discussing the two countries’ relationships and goals, Trump joked that he was distracted by Vance’s cream-colored socks with green shamrocks scattered throughout.
“I have to just, speak of inflation, I love these socks,” Trump told the press, as he pointed at Vance’s feet. “What’s with these socks?”
“I’m trying to stay focused, but I’m very impressed with the VP’s socks,” he added, while the Vice President couldn’t stop laughing.
The Irish leader also enjoyed a laugh about the ribbing the president gave to Vance.
Check it out —
Aaand Trump allegedly loves the socks https://t.co/4e5J22AEGH
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) March 12, 2025
Vance’s move was apparently premeditated — he previously told the White House press that his boss might notice his sock choice when he gave remarks at a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast attended by Martin.
“One of the things that we try to do with this breakfast is remind people of the important bonds of friendship between the United States and Ireland,” Vance said, adding that it was a great opportunity to break out the green clothing and shamrock-printed items.
“The president is a very big fan of conservative dress,” he added. “So, if he notices these socks, you [Martin] have to defend me and you’ve got to say this is an important part of cementing the Irish-American relationship.”
'So, if President Trump notices these socks, you have to defend me!' ☘️
US Vice President JD Vance wears shamrock socks in honour of Taoiseach’s visit pic.twitter.com/foDJbNWaOp
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) March 12, 2025
While the focus of yesterday’s meeting was relationship building between the United States and Ireland, the nation’s leaders also kept the discussion lighthearted in other areas, too.
At one point during the Oval Office gathering, Trump also weighed in on the news that Rosie O’Donnell had moved to Ireland following Trump’s victory, after a reporter asked the Prime Minister how he could let O’Donnell move there. O’Donnell and Trump have had battles in the past.
“Ireland is known for its very happy, fun-loving people. Great attitude, many of them in this room right now that I’ve met. Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland? I think she is going to lower your happiness level,” the reporter said to Martin, who definitely seemed unaware about what he was asking.
“Thank you,” Trump said. “I like that question.”
“Do you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is?” Trump asked Martin. “You’re better off not knowing,” the president quipped.