JD Vance's claims that Trump appeals to 'normal gay guys' sparks controversy

JD Vance, Republican vice-presidential hopeful, told podcast host Joe Rogan that Donald Trump could win what he called the “normal gay guy” vote—a comment that sparked immediate online ridicule.

Describing these voters as men who “just want to be left the hell alone,” Vance suggested Trump could expand Republican support. But his remark quickly drew criticism, with many questioning his view of LGBTQ+ Americans.

Vance, the junior senator from Ohio, went further by denouncing gender-affirming care for transgender youth, claiming that many gay men oppose such treatments. He also suggested some people adopt trans identities as a way to “reject their white privilege” and boost their chances in college admissions.

For Vance, once among Trump’s fiercest critics—going so far as to compare him to Adolf Hitler—the comments mark a striking pivot. Now Trump’s running mate, Vance’s remarks stirred widespread reaction and heated online debate.

Social media users quickly challenged Vance’s term “normal gay guys.” One user called his rhetoric “rich and gross,” accusing him of stoking divisions within the LGBTQ+ community. Others mocked the phrase as out-of-touch and offensive, fueling a wave of online backlash.