JD Vance mocked online after comparing Trump economy to the Titanic in Ohio speech
TOLEDO, OHIO: JD Vance became the center of online ridicule after a speech intended to highlight the Trump administration’s economic record veered into unintended comedy. Speaking in Toledo on Wednesday, the vice president compared the state of the US economy to the Titanic, a line that quickly overshadowed his message.
Standing beneath banners promising “lower prices” and “bigger paychecks,” Vance blamed Democrats for ongoing affordability struggles. “We know there is still so much work to do, and this is something I want you to hear: the Democrats talk a lot about the affordability crisis in the United States of America,” he said. “And yes, there is an affordability crisis—one created by Joe Biden’s policies. You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight.”
Vance on our economy:
— Joshua Reed Eakle 🗽 (@JoshEakle) January 22, 2026
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight."
I'm guessing he never stuck around long enough to hear what happened to the passengers of the Titanic at the end of the story.pic.twitter.com/F3DfzE9RPW
JD Vance’s 'Titanic' metaphor backfires amid historical criticism
The comparison immediately drew mockery. Critics pointed out the historical flaw: the Titanic never turned at all and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, killing over 1,500 passengers. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted this on X: “You don’t turn the Titanic around AT ALL.”
You don't turn the Titanic around AT ALL. https://t.co/K6o6LJF9UX
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) January 22, 2026
California Governor Gavin Newsom added a pop culture jab: “Too late, JD. We’re all just trying to get on the raft with Kate now,” referencing Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the 1997 film 'Titanic.'
Too late, JD. We’re all just trying to get on the raft with Kate now. https://t.co/y7i4USIE0e
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 22, 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul questioned, “Wait what happened to that ship again,” while Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz finished Vance’s line with: “Or at all as history showed.”
Wait what happened to that ship again https://t.co/5EU0sAXPYp
— Governor Hochul Press Office (@NYGovPress) January 22, 2026
Or at all as history showed https://t.co/zGzcU3sB2G
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) January 22, 2026
Social media ridicules JD Vance’s 'Titanic' economy comparison
The roasting extended beyond elected officials. Former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer quipped: “‘Vance compares the Trump economy to the Titanic’ is a very funny headline.” Liberal commentator Brian Tyler Cohen questioned Vance’s grasp of the metaphor: “Does… does he know what happened to the Titanic?” Progressive YouTuber Jack Cocchiarella added: “He chose a sinking ship for his analogy?”
“Vance compares the Trump economy to the Titanic” is a very funny headline https://t.co/C7RsYHsSFr
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) January 22, 2026
Does... does he know what happened to the Titanic? https://t.co/fYWw9iUqfV
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) January 22, 2026
He chose a sinking ship for his analogy? https://t.co/n8CC3E0vXg
— Jack Cocchiarella (@JDCocchiarella) January 22, 2026
Trump administration promotes economic message ahead of midterms
The incident occurred as the administration ramps up economic messaging ahead of midterm elections, with affordability and cost of living central to voter concerns. While Trump had previously dismissed the affordability crisis as a “hoax,” the administration now acknowledges public frustration and blames Democrats for inflation and high prices.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told reporters on Wednesday that Trump plans a domestic tour starting in Iowa next Tuesday to reassure voters and promote his economic agenda.
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