Vice President JD Vance responded Wednesday to a viral segment featuring former MSNBC host Joy Reid by posting a lighthearted meme mocking her remarks about his background and education.

Reid, who was dismissed from MSNBC in February, made her comments during an interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon.

The conversation drew attention online as she linked Vance’s academic career to affirmative action policies and criticized his public stance on the issue.

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The discussion began with Reid reflecting on the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk before turning to criticism of Vance.

She accused him of benefiting from affirmative action in the same way that she claimed women and minorities have historically relied on such programs.

Reid singled out Vance’s admission to Yale Law School, suggesting it was not based solely on merit.

“Maybe the way that JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in White men from New York, from all the elite schools, and they wanted an Appalachian White. That’s how that man got into Yale, I promise you,” Reid said.

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The former television host argued that affirmative action policies have empowered individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial minorities, people with disabilities, military veterans, and those from rural regions.

She claimed these programs helped place people in spaces they might not otherwise reach.

Reid also cited herself as a personal example, arguing that affirmative action contributed to her own visibility in media.

“Right-wingers, you have the ability to know who I am when I don’t know who most of y’all are, but you know me because affirmative action brought me your way,” she said.

“Tell the Lord, ‘Thank you.’ Be grateful for all that God has given you. God knows what God is doing. She a smart, smart lady.”

JOY REID: “JD Vance got into Yale because they were tired of just letting in white men from New York … from all the elite schools. They wanted an Appalachian white. That’s how that man got into Yale, I promise you … That’s also affirmative action and DEI.” pic.twitter.com/E69jgcotJx

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) September 24, 2025

Reid has previously criticized prominent White public figures.

In recent commentary, she described Elvis Presley as a “mediocre White man,” a remark that also drew widespread online debate.

In response to the interview clip circulating on X, Vance posted a meme of himself, appearing to downplay Reid’s criticisms.

https://t.co/agmI0CLpQs pic.twitter.com/NuCp7NfiqS

— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 24, 2025

The image quickly spread across social media, with his supporters creating and sharing memes of their own in solidarity.

The exchange highlighted ongoing debates about affirmative action and its role in shaping opportunities for individuals across different backgrounds.

Reid framed her comments as part of a broader argument that such policies have benefited people beyond traditional categories, while Vance and his allies brushed aside her attack with humor online.

Neither Lemon nor Reid issued additional public statements following the viral spread of the interview.

The Vice President’s meme response, however, ensured that the back-and-forth remained a trending topic on social media throughout the day.

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