WASHINGTON —Vice President JD Vancedismissed criticism ofAI-generated videosthat PresidentDonald Trumpposted to social media of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in a mustache and sombrero that the Democratic leader and othershave characterized as racist. Appearing in the White House briefing room on Wednesday, Oct. 1 duringthe first day of a government shutdown, Vance said Trump was "joking" and "having a good time" with the memes that Democrats ripped as making a mockery of negotiations to keep the lights on across federal departments. The videos used footage of Jeffries appearing on CNN and alongside Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer addressing reporters at the White House on Sept. 29 after a meeting with Trump failed to produce a deal. OneTrump postincluded faked audio of Schumer making derogatory comments about immigrants, as mariachi music played in the background. The otherspoofed Jeffrieswhile he was on cable TV complaining about the original post. President Donald Trump is presented a novelty ticket by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during an announcement about the 2026 World Cup with Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Richard Grenell in the Oval Office at the White House on August 22, 2025 in Washington. Trump announced the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw will take place at The Kennedy Center. "I think it's funny. The president's joking. And we're having a good time. You can negotiate in good faith while also poking a little bit of fun at some of the absurdities of the Democrats' positions, and even poking some fun at the absurdity of the Democrats themselves," Vance said. The VP added: "I'll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now, I make this solemn promise to you: that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop." "And I've talked to the president of the United States about that," he added. Trump postsdeepfake video of Jeffries, Schumer with racist tropes After Trump posted the video,Jeffries told reportersfrom the steps of the U.S. Capitol, "Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don't cop out to a racist and fake AI video. When I'm back in the Oval Office, say it to my face." "If you think your shutdown is a joke, it just proves what we all know: You can't negotiate,"Schumer saidin a Sept. 29 social media post. "You can only throw tantrums." Vance told reporters he did not understand why Jeffries was offended. The White House dug in,playing the videos on a loop in the press area, later in the day. The vice president addressed reporters amid the dispute between Republicans and Democrats over funding priorities, includinghealthcare benefits. The federal government closed overnight for all but essential services after the two sides failed to come to an agreement to keep it open. This story has been updated to add new information. Contributing: Kinsey Crowley This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Vance dismisses criticism of Trump over Jeffries AI sombrero video
