Vance’s ‘Jose’ Jibe BLOWS UP; Karen Bass Calls Out ‘Blatant Disrespect’

Vice President JD Vance triggered major backlash after referring to Senator Alex Padilla as “Jose” during a public appearance in Los Angeles, sparking accusations of racial insensitivity. The remark, aimed at California’s first Latino senator, came just days after Padilla was forcibly detained during a protest against ICE raids. LA Mayor Karen Bass blasted Vance’s words as “disrespectful” and a direct insult to the Latino community. The timing of Vance’s visit, amid post-raid unrest, lifted curfews, and ongoing community outrage—only added fuel to the fire. With his comment going viral online, critics are slamming the vice president for igniting racial tensions at a volatile moment in the city.