JD Vance has sparked widespread controversy after publicly threatening to deport a menswear critic who mockingly commented on the US Vice President’s fashion choices, specifically noting that on one public appearance Mr Vance’s trousers appeared too short. The incident began when Derek Guy, a well-known menswear blogger and critic, took to social media to reveal that he was an undocumented immigrant, recounting that his parents had entered the United States illegally and brought him over as a baby.
In a lengthy post, Guy explained: “I came here without legal documentation, I eventually fell into the category of being an undocumented immigrant. Yet, I’ve been in the United States since I was a baby. My identity and roots are very much based in this country, no different from anyone else.” His statement drew immediate attention, not only because of his immigration status but also due to his reputation for criticising political figures’ fashion choices.
The controversy turned even more heated when Mr Guy posted a series of sarcastic comments mocking the US Vice President’s wardrobe.
He pointed out that Mr Vance’s trousers appeared too short as he sat on a couch during a public appearance and ridiculed his tight-fitting sleeves, adding: “I think I can outrun you in these clothes.”
Some saw the online jabs as petty, but supporters of Mr Vance joked that the Vice President had an opportunity for “the funniest thing ever,” likely suggesting he could get Mr Guy deported due to his immigration status.
The former Senator then shared a GIF of Jack Nicholson grinning and nodding, a clear signal of his displeasure, and hinting that he was considering a strong response.
Things escalated further when the Department of Homeland Security’s official social media account jumped into the fray.
They posted a GIF from the “Spy Kids” movie series, which many interpreted as a subtle warning that they were examining Mr Guy’s immigration status more closely.
Mr Guy responded by taunting conservatives who applauded his potential deportation, reminding them that he was originally from Vietnam before his family moved to Canada and eventually to the US, and commenting: “Wait, who won the US-Vietnam war?”
Supporters of Mr Vance chimed in, with one remarking, “You don’t have to outrun JD Vance. You have to outrun ICE,” implying that the Vice President was threatening to have him deported.
The situation reached its peak when Mr Vance publicly declared that he would “send him back” if the critic continued mocking him.
This threat was widely criticised as an overreaction and a display of pettiness, but the incident quickly became a trending topic, triggering debates about civility in politics and social media’s role in escalating petty disputes.
Critics argued that Vance’s threat to deport someone for making fun of his clothing was indicative of a concerning tendency among politicians to respond aggressively to minor insults.
Others viewed it as an over-the-top display of temper, which undermined the dignity of his office.