Vice President JD Vance recently appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast to discuss the perceived decline of California under Governor Gavin Newsom. Vance drew comparisons between parts of California and conditions often seen in a ‘Third World country.’ He shared an experience of driving through a struggling neighborhood in Los Angeles en route to an upscale Christmas event. The stark contrast reminded him of visiting the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where the disparity between wealth inside and poverty outside was equally evident.

Vance expressed deep sadness regarding California’s situation. His wife, Usha, hails from southern California, and the couple has spent ample time in the state. Vance noted that the beauty and cultural significance of Los Angeles stand in sharp opposition to its troubled areas like skid row, renowned for homelessness and rising crime.

Joe Rogan, who formerly lived in California, shared his experiences, noting that many residents face challenges in selling their homes to leave the state. Rogan criticized Newsom, accusing him of presenting misleading narratives about California’s economic status, often citing its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy.

During the conversation, Vance joked about using U-Haul rental prices as an indicator of a state’s condition. The ease of renting trucks to leave versus entering offers a telling sign of migration patterns. Rogan reminisced about the enjoyable years he spent in California, attributing the state’s current troubles to political factors. He pointed out that skid row has expanded significantly, now covering five more blocks.

Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Newsom’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response. For more coverage on media and culture, readers are encouraged to download the Fox News app.

Alexander Hall, associate editor for Fox News Digital, welcomes story tips at [email protected].