Vance gives middle figure throughout party address

(MENAFN) US Vice President J.D. Vance stirred controversy during a Republican Party event in Lima, Ohio, on Tuesday by raising his middle finger in a swipe at Washington, DC’s political culture. The gesture was delivered as part of a joke about rude reactions to political canvassing.

Addressing the audience, Vance said, “I know it’s not always easy being a candidate—trust me. In DC, they have this thing, I think it means ‘we’re number one,’” he joked, flipping the middle finger. “All the pink-haired people throw up this sign,” he added, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Despite the provocative moment, Vance emphasized the importance of public service, acknowledging that politics can be both inspiring and grueling. He urged aspiring leaders to persevere in working for future generations.

The incident comes shortly after another controversial moment from President Donald Trump, who used an expletive while criticizing ongoing ceasefire breaches between Israel and Iran. “These countries have been fighting so long they don’t know what the f**k they’re doing,” Trump remarked to reporters ahead of the NATO summit in the Netherlands.

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