U.S. Vice President JD Vance with President Donald Trump at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
On Thursday morning, February 19 in Washington, D.C.., U.S. President Donald Trump held the first meeting of his Board of Peace — which he is promoting as a MAGA alternative to the United Nations (UN). And he was joined by members of his administration, including Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, along with diplomats from Argentina, Hungary, Pakistan, Vietnam and other countries.
Vance, during his speech, told a joke mocking progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York). But the joke didn't receive any laughter from attendees.
Referencing AOC's speech at the recent 2026 Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Vance told the crowd, "I didn't want to repeat our congresswoman who froze for over 20 seconds over in Munich. Now, I'm tempted…. just to freeze for 20 seconds and just stare at the cameras. And maybe, they'll say nice things about me like they did about Congresswoman Cortez."
On X, formerly Twitter, many users are attacking Vance's joke as painfully unfunny.
The conservative group Republicans Against Trump tweeted, "Yikes."
Journalist Aaron Rupar observed, "JD Vance takes the mic and immediately attempts to tell a joke. He doesn't get a single laugh. Not. Even. One."
Dr. Martin Pratt commented, "I don't see what Peter Thiel sees I really don't unless it's pity for the pitiful there are so many other people to have as representative of your cause….. this is the horse you are backing with billions of dollars?"
X user Keith Blanchette posted, "And this is who MAGA thinks will replace Trump for their MAGA movement in 2028. LOL."
Another X user, Denison Barb, wrote, "JD Vance has to be one of the most socially awkward people I’ve ever seen. It’s painful to watch him. He is an embarrassment. The only person more awkward than Vance is Elon Musk."
