Vance: Los Angeles Visit Evokes ‘Third World’ Conditions Like Haiti Amid Criticism of Newsom, Bass
AUSTIN (VINnews) – JD Vance described a visit to Los Angeles as reminiscent of conditions in a “third world nation” such as Haiti, citing stark contrasts between wealth and squalor while faulting Democratic leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for failing to address the city’s visible homelessness crisis.
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Vance recounted the experience during a recent appearance, drawing a parallel to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“I realized when I was there, you know what this reminds me of? This reminds me of going to the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince Haiti, like super security, the crazy wealth and privilege and status on the inside and squalor and misery on the outside!” Vance said.
He noted being given convoluted directions near Skid Row that appeared designed to steer clear of the area, particularly at night.
“I’m like, why do I have to follow these directions? Why don’t I just put it in Google Maps?!” Vance recalled.
The directions, he said, were intended to avoid Skid Row. Following Google Maps instead led him through the area en route to an event.
“And so you get to this party, you drive through Skid Row if you follow Google Maps’ directions, you get there and it’s like this beautiful facility with like fancy food and fancy wine and then there are armed guards outside of it and these gigantic walls!” Vance added.
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