US Vice President JD Vance defended a social-media joke about Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen’s weight, saying he still felt “pretty good” about it. The exchange has drawn attention because it arose from a wider political argument over grocery prices and affordability, an issue that could affect public views of the Trump administration.

Thiessen had dismissed complaints that a college burrito cost $20, arguing that campus meal plans cover such food. Vance responded that Thiessen had “never missed a burrito”, then told broadcaster Hugh Hewitt that it was a joke and a response to what he regarded as Thiessen’s unfair criticism; he acknowledged it may not have been charitable.