Vice President JD Vance referred to Sen. Alex Padilla as “José Padilla” during a Friday visit to Los Angeles where he criticized California’s Democratic leaders and defended the Trump administration’s controversial use of the state’s National Guard in the city.

The vice president referred to California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla as "Jose" while speaking to reporters on Friday.

"Well I was hoping that José Padilla would be here to ask a question but unfortunately I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn't the theater," Vance said. "And that's all it is. I think everybody realizes what this is.