Vince Vaughn faces backlash after shaking Trump’s hand at football game

Vince Vaughn at the National Championship game earlier this week, where the Trump handshake took place: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Vince Vaughn at the National Championship game earlier this week, where the Trump handshake took place: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Vince Vaughn is facing a backlash after being filmed shaking hands with Donald Trump at a football game.

The Wedding Crashers actor was sat alongside Trump and first lady Melania Trump in a private box at the National Championship Game in New Orleans.

The video, captured by journalist Timothy Burke, shows Vaughn speaking to the pair and Trump listening intently. Vaughn then stands up and leaves, but not before shaking Trump’s hand and exchanging smiles.

“I’m very sorry to have to share this video with you,” Burke wrote alongside his video. “All of it, every part of it.”

On Twitter, many expressed their dismay at Vaughn’s actions. “Vince Vaughn is one of my favourites,” one tweet read. “I always knew he was Republican but this, so gross. I don’t need a Wedding Crashers sequal [sic] anymore.”

“I’m not angry about Vince Vaughn, just profoundly disappointed,” another wrote. “And I want nothing more to do with him. Once upon a time I found him quite entertaining. Not anymore.”

Vaughn’s handshake has been praised, however, by Republican personalities including former NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch. “Vince Vaughn is one of my favourites,” she tweeted. “Back off the cancelling, stage five clingers.”

Original Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Kristy Swanson tweeted: “Why are all you Leftist Freaks so Upset & Shocked that Vince would have manners & show respect to Donald Trump?”

Vaughn, who has appeared in films including Swingers, The Break-Up and Fred Claus, has described himself as politically libertarian in the past.

He has also publicly supported Republican candidates Ron Paul in 2008 and 2012, and then his son Rand in 2016.