Vice President JD Vance is facing backlash after a startling incident during a Republican fundraising dinner in Ohio on June 24. The controversy erupted when Vance, while addressing the audience in his hometown, made a crude gesture on stage — flipping the middle finger — in what he framed as a humorous jab at political critics in Washington.

“They have this thing in D.C., and I believe it means we’re number one,” Vance joked. “All the pink-haired people throw it up, so I interpret it that way.” The crowd laughed, but the gesture quickly went viral, sparking national debate about professionalism in politics.

This came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s press conference earlier that day, where he used profanity while discussing the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel. “They have no idea what the f\*\*\* they are doing,” Trump said, referring to both nations.

Critics slammed both incidents, particularly given the international crisis. “This kind of behavior during an international conflict is beneath the office,” one journalist wrote.

Social media erupted. “Is this the vice president of the United States?” one user posted. Another added, “Whatever happened to dignity in high office?”

Supporters argue that Trump and Vance are just speaking plainly. But detractors say their behavior crosses a line between authenticity and recklessness.

As tensions remain high in the Middle East, many worry these viral moments hurt U.S. credibility abroad. “The stakes are simply too high for this kind of conduct,” one former diplomat warned.