

WH Holds DISASTER Press Conference as SHUTDOWN Backfires on Them
Oct 2, 2025
J.D. Vance, a U.S. politician and former Trump administration member, joins White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to tackle the fallout from a chaotic press conference. They discuss the administration's handling of the government shutdown, touching on everything from levity in serious times to foreign relations, like the impact of China halting soybean purchases. Vance defends controversial memes and claims of political targeting, while Leavitt insists on the administration's efforts to manage essential services, calling their strategies innovative amid crisis.
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Humor Framing Undermines Credibility
- The White House press conference framed Trump's AI and meme posts as humor and transparency rather than serious messaging.
- Ben Meiselas argues that such behavior undercuts credibility during a government crisis.
Memes Clash With Negotiation Goals
- J.D. Vance dismissed concerns about racist AI memes and framed them as harmless fun.
- Meiselas counters that mocking lawmakers while the government is shut hurts negotiations and public trust.
Behave Like Adults During Negotiations
- Act like a responsible adult during high-stakes negotiations instead of using provocative humor.
- Prioritize respectful conduct to avoid sabotaging talks and harming Americans affected by a shutdown.