According to a professional lip-reading analysis, Senator JD Vance, a close political ally of former President Donald Trump, appeared to make strong remarks during Trump’s recent address to Congress. Vance, who once voiced sharp criticism of Trump but has since become one of his strongest supporters, was seen in conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson before the speech. The exchange drew attention after experts suggested Vance used the phrase “a full reckoning” while discussing the political climate. Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman stated that Vance said to Johnson: “Yes it is, a full reckoning, and long overdue. By the way, I think the speech is going to be great. However, I’m not sure how you manage to do this for ninety minutes.”
In response, Speaker Johnson appeared to move the microphone aside, reportedly remarking that the most difficult part was listening to speeches during the previous administration. Reports noted that Vance’s choice of words came shortly after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and also followed recent criticism he received for referring to the United Kingdom as a “random country.”
Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, Vance has become a strong defender of Trump. He has argued that opponents of the former president contributed to political tensions, including the environment that surrounded the attempted attack on Trump in Pennsylvania last year.
During Trump’s speech, supporters applauded as he denounced former President Joe Biden’s record, calling him “the worst president in American history.” Democratic lawmakers in attendance, however, remained largely silent, with some holding signs criticizing the administration’s policies on taxation and government spending. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon responded by saying: “We cannot continue with business as usual while Trump and his allies pursue policies that weaken key federal agencies supporting working families. The President had an opportunity to change course tonight but instead reinforced plans that raise serious concerns.”
