JD Vance Dismisses Protesters Fighting Social Security Cuts: 'Don't You All Have Jobs?'

Vance Visits Michigan to Promote Economic Policies Amid Protests

Vice President JD Vance traveled to Bay City, Michigan, on Friday to speak at Vantage Plastics, promoting the Trump administration’s economic policies. While his visit focused on manufacturing and trade, it was met with a crowd of protesters concerned about potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, according to the Associated Press. Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Demonstrators Rally Against Social Security and Medicare Cuts

Outside the event, demonstrators held signs reading “Protect Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security” and “Fascists not welcome in Michigan.” Some also criticized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has advocated for slashing Social Security funding.

Once inside, Vance dismissed the protesters, questioning their employment status. “I'm sure all of us saw there were a few protesters outside,” he said. “And I can't be the only person wondering, you know, it’s a cool afternoon, on a Friday, and don’t you all have jobs?” Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vance Dismisses Protesters, Sparks Backlash Over Jobs Remark

His remark drew backlash online, with one person who was removed from the event posting on Bluesky, “Like 2nd shift? 3rd? Splits? Part-time? Retired? Hypocrite, what about his invite-only crowd?” Tomboyprida / Wikimedia

Trade Tensions Escalate as U.S. and Canada Exchange Tariffs

Vance was joined by U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler as he promoted the administration’s approach to trade and domestic industry. His visit came amid rising trade tensions, as President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on imported steel and aluminum from Canada. In response, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

The financial impact of these tariffs is projected to increase annual costs for American households by $1,600 to $2,000, according to Yale University’s Budget Lab. Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vance Defends Tariffs, Warns Companies Against Outsourcing

Vance defended the trade measures and warned companies that rely on foreign manufacturing. “If you invest in America, in American jobs, in American workers, in American businesses, you’re going to be rewarded,” he said. “But if you try to undercut us and build outside of our borders, then President Trump’s administration has got nothing for you.” Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images