Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Disneyland didn’t sit well with many Californians. While families across Los Angeles were protesting ICE raids and mass deportations, Vance was seen enjoying a relaxed weekend at “The Happiest Place on Earth” with his wife Usha and their children.
The visit came just days after federal agents arrested nearly 200 undocumented immigrants in a sweep around California. Many were taken from a cannabis farm about 100 miles away from Disneyland, and at least one person was left critically injured. Emotions are already high across the state, and Vance’s public appearance didn’t help.
Protesters gathered outside the Grand Californian Hotel, where the Vance family was believed to be staying. One protester told FOX 11, “I would tell him to go home. We don’t want him here.”
Governor Gavin Newsom also joined the criticism. In a post on X, he wrote, “Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t.”
Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t. https://t.co/GjvIUg8I2B
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) July 12, 2025
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Newsom’s press office kept the pressure going throughout the weekend. “35% of Anaheim’s residents are immigrants. Disneyland doesn’t run without them. Enjoy their labor, @JDVance,” they wrote in another post.
35% of Anaheim’s residents are immigrants.
Disneyland doesn’t run without them.
Enjoy their labor, @JDVance. https://t.co/6g1wYMNTvn
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) July 13, 2025
At the park, Vance was seen riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a ride that replaced Splash Mountain after years of controversy over the original’s links to racial stereotypes. Certain rides were even shut down to give the Vance family private access, frustrating other guests who had to wait longer.
Photos and videos of Vance on the rides quickly spread online. His presence drew backlash not only from protesters but also from people accusing him of using government power to push harsh immigration policies while enjoying luxury and family time.
Orange County District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento also spoke out. “There’s such a need for groceries and support, that I wish he would be bringing better news,” he said. “But it sounds like he’s here on a leisure trip, so it’s offensive to people in my community.”
Sarmiento added, “If he had a change of heart, we’d embrace him. If he said ‘Look, let me work for the people who really do need our support’ we would love to have that message.”
Newsom’s office continued to post jabs online. “Tired: trashing California for political purposes,” they wrote. “Wired: visiting & vacationing in California more than your home state this year.”
They also took aim at the Trump administration’s Florida detention facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” “JD Vance on Tom Sawyer Island looking for the next Alligator Alcatraz. Too many happy families for him in one place,” they posted.
Featured image via Screengrab
