Thanksgiving Meme Featuring J.D. Vance and Trump Draws Backlash Online

Republican vice president-elect J.D. Vance was under fire on Thursday after he was said to have “depicted himself as Donald Trump’s wife” in a meme posted to social media.

Vance, also a GOP senator from Ohio, took to X on Thanksgiving Day, saying, “Thanksgiving everyone!”

“Despite our challenges, we remain the greatest nation in the world, and I’m very grateful for it–and for all of you!” the Republican added.

A few hours later, Vance posted a meme without any additional caption. The image shows Vance and Trump in the famous Thanksgiving scene painted by Norman Rockwell, with Vance playing the part of the wife.

PatriotTakes, which says it is dedicated to “researching and monitoring” right-wing extremism “and other threats to democracy,” responded, “This is a real tweet from Vice President-elect JD Vance depicting himself as Trump’s wife.”

“It’s giving: ‘Time to carve up the country!'” the account was added on Thursday.Journalist Helen Kennedy said, “Vance depicting himself in drag, as Trump’s wife.”

Democratic strategist Mike Nellis said, “I thought it was fake, but JD Vance really posted an image of him as Trump’s wife at Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Incredible content— super weird,” Nellis wrote on Bluesky. Theology writer Sharon Kuruvilla chimed in, saying, “Going to be fascinating” to see if Vance “posts this s— as VP.”

Writer Polly Sigh asked, “Does Vance think he’s the First Lady? So weird.” TV writer Steve Marmel joked, “What bathroom does JD Vance get to use?”

“JD posted this puckish photo of him and his daddy Trump,” the writer added.

MSNBC personality Mehdi Hasan said, “JD Vance posting an image of himself as Trump’s wife, and also with a map that doesn’t show people he and Trump won by one of the lowest margins in American history.”