Donald Trump defended by JD Vance as misunderstood, draws criticism over Barron remarks

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he once called former President Donald Trump “America’s Hitler,” but after meeting Trump in person he now believes that assessment was wrong. In a podcast interview Vance described Trump as warm‑hearted, generous, and “very intelligent,” arguing the president’s private demeanor differs from his media image.

At the same time, Trump sparked a wave of online criticism following a Father’s Day speech in which he referred to his son Barron only as “a little boy who’s pretty big,” without using his name. Commentators on social media called the phrasing cold and detached, while supporters defended the former president’s remarks as a simple compliment to his wife.