Vance jokes about presidential compliments directed at another male politician

JD Vance deflected an affordability question by joking about presidential compliments.

Vice President JD Vance responded to a question about economic affordability on a town hall broadcast by joking that he feels jealous of President Trump's frequent physical compliments toward other lawmakers. Pressed about living costs by a television host, the vice president shifted the topic to presidential remarks praising an Ohio senator. Critics swiftly condemned the televised exchange as inappropriate.

• The reactionCritics condemned the vice president's deflection during an event focused on household expenses.
• The contextThe remarks followed an inquiry about American affordability during a televised town hall.