US Vice President JD Vance paused his speech at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, after a protester interrupted by waving a Mexican flag. Security escorted the individual from the venue as Vance responded: "Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your a** back over there."
His comments drew chants of "USA" from party members, many of whom showed a thumbs down gesture in disapproval, according to the Mirror US.
Speech defends Trump's second term
Vance's address served as a defence of Donald Trump's second term as President. He argued that ordinary Americans had grown weary of factory closures, drug overdoses and rising crime rates, before turning his attention to immigration.
"And we were tired of being called racists for noticing that our country was becoming dirtier and poorer and less safe and less prosperous," he said.
Immigration tensions and false claims
His remarks highlighted political tensions surrounding immigration policy. According to the Associated Press, he falsely claimed during the 2024 election that Haitian immigrants in his home state of Ohio were abducting and eating pets, a lie that Trump repeated.
While Vance received applause upon taking the stage, the reception appeared notably less fervent than that afforded to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Convention dynamics
Vance is among numerous members of Trump's Cabinet appearing at the unconventional Republican midterm convention. Several party figures, including those contesting closely-fought seats, are avoiding the two-day event, citing scheduling conflicts or resisting financial demands for participation.
Others hope an appearance with President Trump will elevate their national profile as they attempt to mobilise his supporters without him standing for election.
The gathering, which combines elements of a rally and fundraising event, comes as Republicans seek momentum entering the midterms' closing phase despite Trump's poor approval numbers. A significant portion of the agenda targets Democrats, attempting to portray them as radical by emphasising the party's progressive faction, while presenting Republicans as the party of "common sense."
