JD Vance says backlash to UFC fighter’s Michelle Obama remark was ‘totally disproportionate’

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the controversy surrounding UFC fighter Josh Hokit’s comments about former first lady Michelle Obama, arguing that the public reaction to the incident was far more intense than the remark itself.

Speaking during an episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ that aired Wednesday, July 15, after being recorded Tuesday, Vance reflected on his experience attending a live UFC event and was asked by host Joe Rogan about one of the most talked-about moments from the White House-hosted fight card held as part of the administration’s America 250 celebrations.

While acknowledging that the comment was inappropriate for the setting, Vance said he believed the outrage that followed was excessive.

JD Vance says reaction to Josh Hokit controversy was overblown

During the conversation, Rogan asked Vance whether he was more surprised by UFC submission techniques or by Hokit’s remarks during his post-fight speech at the White House event.

“Definitely the armbar part,” Vance replied. “I work in politics. People say crazy stuff all the time, man.”

Rogan pushed back, noting that comments made at a White House event carry a different weight than remarks made elsewhere.

He argued that Hokit has built a public persona designed to attract attention and provoke reactions.

“He's a very good fighter, first of all, but sometimes it's not enough to get attention,” Rogan said. “What Josh has done is created this persona, like this pro wrestling bad-guy persona.”

Rogan added that the fighter’s remark was “not the best thing to say at the White House.”

Vance agreed with that assessment but maintained that the response went too far.

“Fair,” Vance said. “But the reaction to it to me was still totally disproportionate.”

Joe Rogan and JD Vance discuss outrage culture and political reactions

The discussion soon expanded beyond the UFC event and into larger debates over public outrage and political controversies.

Vance argued that people have become too quick to react strongly to comments they dislike, especially when humor or entertainment is involved.

He pointed to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and the backlash that followed jokes made during a Trump campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024.

According to Vance, critics often treat controversial jokes as major scandals instead of simply dismissing them if they do not find them funny.

“I’m like, ‘He told a joke,’ and the person's response is, ‘Well, it's not a very funny joke,’” Vance said. “You know, what happens when somebody tells me a joke that's not funny? I don't laugh, and then I move on with my life.”

The vice president argued that constant outrage over humor and commentary is having a negative impact on public discourse.

“This whole industry around outrage, especially getting outraged around humor, I think is actually really hurting the country,” he expressed.

Josh Hokit’s remark about Michelle Obama sparked criticism from across the political spectrum

The controversy began after Hokit thanked President Donald Trump following his victory at the White House-hosted UFC event.

During his post-fight speech, Hokit made a comment about Michelle Obama that immediately drew criticism online. He shouted into the microphone, "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?" drawing widespread backlash.  

According to the discussion on Rogan’s podcast, some Trump supporters who had defended the White House UFC event also criticized the fighter’s remarks.

The event itself was promoted as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary and generated significant public attention.

Later in the interview, Rogan asked Vance whether he would consider hosting a UFC event at the White House if he were ever elected president.

Vance laughed off the idea and responded simply, “I don't know, man.”