U.S. Senator JD Vance drew criticism on social media for his family's Halloween celebration, which featured a Harry Potter theme. Vance, dressed as Albus Dumbledore, shared a video with his newborn son, Alec, who was costumed as Dobby the elf.
"Wishing you a Happy Halloween. Have fun, be safe, eat a lot of candy," Vance said in the clip, holding his son. The family's costumes included Second Lady Usha Vance as the Sorting Hat, their eldest son Ewan as Harry Potter, and their other children, Vivek and Mirabel, as a spider and a dragon.
Vance had previously mentioned the family's chosen theme, citing his children's enthusiasm for Harry Potter.
The social media reaction was largely negative, with some users calling the costume "embarrassing" and questioning his political aspirations. One comment read, "This dude will never be president." Others alluded to past instances of Vance wearing wigs, with one user stating, "Any excuse to wear a wig."
However, some users defended Vance, emphasizing the family-oriented nature of the holiday. "Do you know how many US dads do this exact same thing because..... they are f***ing dads?" one user wrote in support. Others praised the "wholesome" post and commented on the baby's appearance.
Alec, the Vance's fourth child, was born in July. The family's decision to have a fourth child was influenced by the assassination of a close friend of Vance's, according to his memoir. The birth of Alec marked the first time a second family had welcomed a newborn while in office since 1870.