On Halloween night, U.S. Vice President JD Vance did something few politicians would dare: he leaned into a viral internet meme that pokes fun at his own image. Wearing a curly-haired wig and a dark suit with a red tie, Vance posted photos and videos of himself dressed as the infamous "Fat JD"—a meme that has taken on a life of its own since a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year. The result? Social media went into overdrive, with Vance’s costume igniting a frenzy of comments, memes, and millions of views across platforms.
Vance’s Halloween post was more than just a costume; it was a calculated embrace of the digital culture that has come to dominate American politics. According to Vice, the vice president’s posts racked up well over half a million likes on Instagram and tens of millions of views on X (formerly Twitter). Videos of Vance, donning the curly wig and dancing to electronic beats under a moody purple light, quickly multiplied across the internet. As of November 1, 2025, one photo alone had received over 30 million views on X. The vice president also shared a video on Instagram, cheerfully greeting his followers: “Happy Halloween everyone, remember to say thank you while you trick or treat!”
The "Fat JD" meme—featuring a digitally altered Vance with exaggerated curls and a softened, rounder face—first gained traction after a highly publicized face-off between Vance and President Zelenskyy in February 2025. During that meeting, Vance repeatedly pressed Zelenskyy on whether he had expressed gratitude for U.S. support, reportedly asking, “Did you even say thank you?” multiple times. The moment, captured on camera, quickly became meme fodder. Not only did it inspire the "Fat JD" caricature, but it also cemented Vance’s reputation as a political figure who isn’t afraid to wade into the internet’s wildest waters.
According to Business Standard, the aftermath of the confrontation saw Vance declining Zelenskyy’s request for additional U.S. funding—an act that drew sharp reactions both at home and abroad. Former President Donald Trump weighed in, accusing Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.” Ultimately, Zelenskyy departed the U.S. without securing any finalized deals, a development that left many Ukrainians frustrated. Political activist Anastasiya Paraskevova remarked, “If we are for real, we haven’t spoken with such dignity since writing to the sultan.”
Back in the United States, the fallout for Vance was immediate and palpable. Protesters gathered during a family ski trip to Vermont, waving signs that read “International embarrassment” and “Vermont stands with Ukraine.” The pressure was so intense that, according to reports, Vance and his family relocated for safety. Even so, the vice president’s willingness to poke fun at himself in the wake of such criticism did not go unnoticed. Social media users responded with a mix of amusement and admiration. Media personality Eric Daugherty declared on X, “JD Vance wins. I don’t know what he wins. He just wins.” Another user, @BraydenRFalls, summed up the sentiment with, “He did the meme lol.”
But not everyone was amused by Vance’s antics or his recent public comments. In the days leading up to Halloween, Vance faced a wave of criticism after expressing his hope that his wife, Usha Vance—who is Hindu but was not raised in a religious household—might one day embrace Christianity. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on October 29, 2025, Vance explained, “Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way.”
Those remarks sparked backlash online, with critics accusing Vance of insensitivity toward his wife’s faith. Ezra Levant, founder of the Canadian news outlet Rebel News, took to X to chastise the vice president, writing, “It is weird to throw your wife’s religion under the bus, in public, for a moment’s acceptance by groypers.” The term “groyper” refers to far-right followers of white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who advocates for a Christian theocracy in the U.S. The controversy highlighted the ongoing tension between public and private life for political figures—and the risks inherent in speaking candidly about deeply personal beliefs.
Still, Vance’s Halloween stunt may have helped to shift the narrative, at least temporarily. By playfully referencing the memes that have both mocked and defined him, Vance demonstrated a knack for self-deprecating humor and an understanding of the digital landscape that has become essential for modern politicians. As Vice pointed out, this approach aligns closely with President Donald Trump’s own digital strategy, which has long leveraged meme culture to rally supporters and dominate online discourse.
It’s worth noting that the vice president’s embrace of the “Fat JD” meme wasn’t just a moment of levity—it was also a savvy political move. In an era where memes can make or break public figures, Vance’s willingness to laugh at himself may have endeared him to younger voters and digital natives. As Eric Daugherty quipped, “48 just gained millions of voters in 2028 with a single post!”
The viral reach of Vance’s Halloween costume underscores the growing importance of internet culture in shaping political narratives. What might once have been a fleeting joke now becomes a touchstone for public engagement, capable of generating both support and criticism in equal measure. For Vance, the decision to don a wig and dance under purple lights wasn’t just about celebrating Halloween—it was about reclaiming the narrative and connecting with an audience that lives online.
Of course, the broader context remains: Vance’s political career continues to be defined by controversy, from his confrontational stance with foreign leaders to his outspoken views on religion and family. Yet, if the reaction to his Halloween post is any indication, the vice president is more than willing to ride the waves of internet fame—no matter how unpredictable they may be.
As the dust settles from another viral moment, one thing is clear: JD Vance has mastered the art of turning memes into political capital, for better or worse.
