JD Vance has sharp 5-word response to governor who criticized him for family trip to Disneyland
JD Vance, the Vice President, has hit back at criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who took a swipe at him for taking a family trip to Disneyland. Over the weekend, Vance was seen at the theme park with his wife and two kids, smiling and enjoying the day. But the timing of the trip stirred controversy because, at the same time, aggressive immigration raids ordered by Donald Trump were taking place in nearby areas, especially in Los Angeles.
Photos and videos of the Vance family at Disneyland quickly went viral, especially as protesters showed up at the park and even at the hotel where they were rumored to be staying. Demonstrators held signs accusing Vance of enjoying himself while immigrant families were being separated just miles away. One protester’s sign read, “No family vacation while we deal with family separation,” alongside Vance’s photo.
Governor Newsom took the opportunity to mock Vance on social media, posting, “Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t.” He made the comment while discussing lawsuits and ongoing immigration raids, including a major one at a marijuana farm where hundreds of undocumented workers were detained.
Vance’s reply was brief and sharp: “Had a great time, thanks.” His short comeback has drawn a mix of reactions online, with some praising him for brushing off the criticism and others accusing him of being tone-deaf.
Meanwhile, tensions between Newsom and Trump’s administration have been growing. Last month, Trump ordered the National Guard to California to help control protests against ICE raids—something Newsom strongly opposed. The district where Disneyland is located—covering Anaheim, Garden Grove, and surrounding areas—has been hit particularly hard by these crackdowns, with many calling it racial profiling against Latino communities.
Trump’s recent order allowing federal agents to arrest protesters at immigration raid sites was blocked by a judge, who said the move was unconstitutional. Despite the legal pushback, the situation remains tense across the region.
Local officials in Orange County were reportedly briefed about Vance’s visit. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento commented that Vance’s trip came at a moment when many people are losing faith in government. While Sarmiento said he respects the office Vance holds, he made it clear he doesn’t support policies that harm immigrant communities.
So while JD Vance may have enjoyed a day with his family at Disneyland, the political fallout from that weekend is far from over.
