MAGA Rep Settles for Weird Vance Date After Trump Snub

Derrick Van Orden is still attempting to cozy up to the administration despite being ignored by Trump earlier this week.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 12:49am

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After failing to secure a handshake with President Donald Trump, Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden settled for a glass of milk with Vice President J.D. Vance on a flight to Van Orden's home state. Van Orden posted a video of himself sipping the milk, which drew ridicule on social media. Despite the snub from Trump, Van Orden gave the president's State of the Union speech a glowing review.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by some Republican lawmakers to align themselves with the Trump administration, even when they face rejection or ridicule. It also reflects the divisive political climate and the importance of visual optics in modern politics.

The details

Van Orden, a vocal supporter of the MAGA agenda, accompanied Vice President Vance on a trip to Plover, Wisconsin, to visit a manufacturing facility. At the event, Vance endorsed Van Orden, who is up for re-election in a competitive Western Wisconsin district. Earlier this week, Van Orden was seen awkwardly trying to get a handshake from Trump at the State of the Union address, but the president ignored him.

  • On February 27, 2026, Van Orden posted a video of himself drinking milk on Vice President Vance's flight to Wisconsin.
  • Earlier this week, Van Orden was denied a handshake from President Trump at the State of the Union address.

The players

Derrick Van Orden

A 56-year-old Wisconsin lawmaker and vocal supporter of the MAGA agenda who is up for re-election in a competitive Western Wisconsin district.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who ignored Van Orden's attempts to get a handshake at the State of the Union address.

J.D. Vance

The current Vice President of the United States who accompanied Van Orden on a trip to Plover, Wisconsin and endorsed him for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“Derrick was talking with me backstage. He was like, 'We have to do a little video together, just so we can get it out there for the congressional campaign.'”

— J.D. Vance, Vice President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by some Republican lawmakers to align themselves with the Trump administration, even when they face rejection or ridicule, reflecting the divisive political climate and the importance of visual optics in modern politics.