Overview
- During a Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump delivered a rambling response about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz that included, “they were both incompetent,” after saying he watched JD Vance “destroy him” in a debate.
- Multiple outlets and social posts initially interpreted the phrasing as Trump calling Vice President JD Vance incompetent.
- On Dec. 4, Snopes reported the White House said by email that Trump was referring to his own debate opponents rather than Vance.
- The full Cabinet meeting video is publicly available on the White House YouTube channel, allowing direct review of the remarks in context.
- Coverage also noted Trump appeared drowsy and at times glowered when Vance spoke, prompting fresh discussion of his demeanor during the meeting.