JD Vance recalls hilarious moment Donald Trump pranked him with ‘nuclear’ red button in Oval Office

Vice President JD Vance shared a moment in the White House when he thought President Donald Trump had launched a nuclear strike
US Vice President JD Vance recounted a hilarious experience during a serious discussion with President Donald Trump (Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty Images)
US Vice President JD Vance recounted a hilarious experience during a serious discussion with President Donald Trump (Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into life inside the Oval Office, recalling a moment of comic confusion involving President Donald Trump and a mysterious red button.

Speaking at a recent GOP gathering, Vance told supporters about a moment when he mistakenly feared Trump had initiated a nuclear strike, only to discover it was a request for a soft drink.



 

JD Vance recounts humorous interaction with Donald Trump

The incident, JD Vance said, happened during a phone call with a foreign head of state. “President Trump hits mute, looks over at me and says, ‘This is not going very well,’” Vance recounted before pressing a red button.

Wide-eyed, Vance admitted he panicked. “My eyes get really big. “And I’m like, ‘Mr President, you know what just happened?’ He looks at me and goes, ‘Nuclear. Nuclear?’”

Executive Orders regarding trade lay on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House March 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed two executive orders that aim to boost U.S. manufacturing by addressing foreign trade. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump, in his previous tenure as president, had the tiny red Diet Coke button fashioned into a wooden box on his desk (Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

Vance added, “And two minutes later, a guy walks in with a Diet Coke. He looks back at me and says, it wasn’t nuclear. It’s just the Diet Coke button.”

The audience erupted in laughter as Vance wrapped the anecdote by praising Trump’s unpredictable, yet endearing nature. “That’s the kind of guy, my fellow Republicans, that we have as president of the United States,” he said.

Internet lights up after JD Vance shares humorous Oval Office moment with Donald Trump

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House May 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed executive orders related to the nuclear power industry. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump speaks after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, May 23, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A lighthearted anecdote from Vice President JD Vance about a funny encounter with Donald Trump inside the Oval Office is sparking waves of cheerful reaction online.

One user wrote, “That’s the kind of humor AND confidence we need in the White House.”



 

Another chimed in with a nod to Trump’s quirky habits, “Diet Coke on red button tap is legendary.”



 

Some users commented on how Trump’s personality keeps him resilient, “Trump's sense of humor is what's kept him going through it all. Whereas other Presidents age terribly while in office, he actually looks healthier now than he did in 2016.”



 

Another praised his charisma, “Trump mixes humor with leadership like no one else.”



 

“How nice to see both President and VP have a bit of fun!! God knows both are working hard! Thank you,” one wrote.



 

Another added, “So fresh and wholesome. I love what is going on and what we voted for.”



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The report alleged that Democratic operatives recruited a 'spoiler' candidate with a name similar to GOP Sen Dan Sullivan to split Republican votes
2026-10-31T18:34:39.000Z
The District of Columbia and Virginia sued federal agencies to block the planned 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery
2026-10-31T17:30:27.000Z
Tensions in Michigan's Democratic Senate race escalated as Abdul El-Sayed's campaign reportedly barred rival Haley Stevens from his events
2026-10-31T16:06:30.000Z
Elon Musk also claimed that Democrats would 'open the borders and legalize everyone living in America illegally to cement a permanent majority'
2026-10-31T08:26:58.000Z
During his speech, Trump addressed supporters wearing 'Blacks for Trump' shirts and encouraged them to vote for Mike Rogers in the midterm elections
2026-10-31T08:15:16.000Z
Angie Nixon said her campaign was making progress despite having significantly fewer financial resources than her opponents
2026-10-31T07:59:36.000Z
Abdul El-Sayed accused Haley Stevens of 'relitigating' their primary battle and urged Democrats to focus on defeating GOP nominee Mike Rogers
2026-10-31T06:35:36.000Z
Bill Clinton also took aim at what he described as corruption and personal vanity within Trump's administration
2026-10-31T06:14:18.000Z
Michael Heyman said investigators were examining claims involving Mary Peltola's campaign and Daniel J Sullivan ahead of the November election
2026-10-31T05:31:37.000Z
Earlier this month, TIME reported that at a meeting in December 2025, Trump spent several hours firing questions at Grok about his time in office and what his legacy might look like
2026-10-31T05:14:49.000Z