JD Vance Faces Backlash After Joking About Biden's Death on Fox News
Republican Senator JD Vance drew swift criticism after joking about President Joe Biden dying during an interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity. The exchange came when Hannity asked whether Vance would be prepared to assume the presidency if something happened to President Biden.
Vance responded that he generally does not dwell on the topic because he believes former President Donald Trump is "very healthy." He then said, "But if I served under Joe Biden, I'd probably be worried every minute of every day that he was going to croak and that I'd have to become president," and laughed as Hannity joined in. "Like I'd never be able to sleep. I'd always have my cellphone as loud as possible."
"But if I served under Joe Biden, I'd probably be worried every minute of every day that he was going to croak and that I'd have to become president," Vance said, then laughed as Hannity joined in.
Vance also praised Trump's vigor, saying the former president has "a lot of energy" and is "extremely healthy." His remarks arrive amid renewed scrutiny of Trump's health after a reported MRI at Walter Reed Medical Center. The White House said Trump received a clean bill of health following the exam.
Context and Reaction
Observers and political opponents pointed to visible bruising on Trump's hand and swelling in his ankles. The White House attributed the bruising to frequent handshakes and aspirin use, and said the swelling was caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects blood flow from the legs to the heart. Critics have also highlighted moments in which Trump appeared to nod off at daytime events, prompting accusations from some Democratic leaders that he has shown signs of cognitive decline.
Vance's joke and subsequent laughter prompted rapid backlash on social media. Critics called the remarks callous and inappropriate given the seriousness of the subject. As of publication, Vance had not issued an apology or clarification for the comment.
Why it matters: Jokes about a sitting president's death cross ethical and political lines for many listeners, and public figures who mock serious health concerns risk alienating voters and colleagues while intensifying partisan debate.
