Overview
- New York Times reporters Katie Rogers and Tyler Pager relayed the scene from their interview with President Trump published Jan. 8–9.
- J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio told the reporters their shoes were purchased by the president, saying they each received four pairs including tuxedo shoes.
- Rogers wrote that Vance lifted his leg to show his pair, and both officials were described as wearing black dress shoes with slightly different designs.
- The anecdote spread quickly after publication, prompting online reactions that ranged from amusement to discomfort.
- In the same interview, Trump said his “own morality” constrained him and added that he did not “need international law,” according to the Times account.