JD Vance reveals ‘nuclear’ fear after Donald Trump pressed Oval Office red button in front of him

JD Vance recently shared a humorous story involving former President Donald Trump that left him momentarily terrified, thinking he may have triggered a nuclear strike.

During a speech at a Republican dinner in Ohio, not long after Trump made explicit comments about the Middle East conflict, Vance recalled a moment in the Oval Office with the former president.

While on a call with a foreign leader, Trump pressed a red button mid-conversation after muting the call, turning to Vance and saying, “This isn’t going very well.” Alarmed, Vance asked, “Mr President, what just happened?” to which Trump deadpanned, “Nuclear.”

Two minutes later, a staffer entered with a Diet Coke, prompting Trump to clarify it was actually the Diet Coke button, not anything serious. The audience erupted in laughter, and many online found the prank hilarious.

The red button in the Oval Office is famously placed on the Resolute Desk, gifted to President Hayes in 1880 by Queen Victoria. Trump used it from 2017 to 2021 to summon his favorite drink at any time.

Trump reinstated the button upon returning to office. Previously, President Obama reportedly used it for tea service, while President Johnson had several buttons for different drinks.

President Biden initially removed the button when he took office in 2021 but later brought it back, with TV host James Corden joking it might have become an “ice cream button” instead.

Many online joked about what they’d use the red button for if given the chance.