On February 24, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi attended the Capitol as President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address. During the speech, she sat beside Representative Ro Khanna of California, who appeared focused on taking notes throughout the event.
Two days later, at a rally in Plover, Wisconsin, Vice President JD Vance shifted from his economic message to deliver a sharp critique of Pelosi. Speaking at a local machining facility, Vance initially praised the workers for their contributions, saying, “This is a place that rewards dignified work. And this is a place that makes America and the whole community richer. So you guys should be proud of yourselves.”
He then pivoted to Trump’s State of the Union remarks. “Again, you're sitting there, the president gets to a point, you know what, we're going to prevent congressmen and congresswomen from getting rich off of insider trading,” Vance said. “From violating the public trust you give them and get rich off of insider trading. You know who was not standing up and cheering? I have never seen a person more angry than Nancy Pelosi when the president called out insider trading,” he added.
Vance closed with a biting line aimed at Pelosi: “I hope for all of you, of course, we make you rich and prosperous, you find someone who loves you as much as Nancy Pelosi loves insider trading. Cause then you have a very good life indeed.”
The moment quickly caught attention on social media, with many Fox News viewers applauding Vance’s remark. Comments ranged from “Vance going straight for the jugular. Brutal,” to “Political humor or political jab? Either way, it landed.”
While Vance received praise from supporters, some critics noted, “Politics really is stand-up comedy now.”
The controversy traces back to Trump’s State of the Union address, during which he called on Congress to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act. He expressed surprise when Senator Elizabeth Warren, a longtime political opponent, stood to applaud. “Did Nancy Pelosi stand up for that? Doubt it,” Trump remarked. Pelosi, for her part, did not respond publicly, instead offering a pointed glare toward the president.
