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Vance: Reaction to false Michelle Obama insult at White House UFC fight was ‘totally disproportionate’
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 15, 2026
· 4 min read
By Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN
(CNN) — Vice President JD Vance said in a podcast episode that aired Wednesday that the backlash to a UFC fighter’s false and offensive remark about former first lady Michelle Obama was “totally disproportionate” to the comment itself.
Speaking on “The Joe Rogan Ex...
Key takeaway Speaking on “The Joe Rogan Experience” in an episode that taped Tuesday, Vance recalled attending his first live UFC event last month and was marveling at the submission holds.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where community events often bring people together, the backlash to the UFC fighter's comment about Michelle Obama raises questions about the limits of free speech and the impact of inflammatory remarks on local dialogue. While Vice President JD Vance downplayed the comment as an example of people saying "crazy stuff" in politics, the fact that it was made at a White House-hosted event adds a layer of complexity. El Paso residents, who value respect and inclusivity, may wonder how such comments reflect on the nation's values and how they might affect local discussions about civility and respect. As the city continues to host its own community events, including those that celebrate diversity and promote unity, the reaction to Hokit's comment serves as a reminder that words have consequences, and local leaders will be watching to see how such incidents are addressed in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN
(CNN) — Vice President JD Vance said in a podcast episode that aired Wednesday that the backlash to a UFC fighter’s false and offensive remark about former first lady Michelle Obama was “totally disproportionate” to the comment itself.
Speaking on “The Joe Rogan Ex...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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