Washington, D.C. — The White House recently faced backlash over a social media post by Vice President J.D. Vance referencing the Armenian genocide. The post, which acknowledged the tragic loss of up to 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of Ottoman troops over a century ago, was swiftly deleted, stirring ire among opposition politicians and members of the Armenian community in the United States.

Vance made the remarks during a visit to Armenia, where he and his wife, Usha, paid respects at a memorial dedicated to the genocide’s victims. The original post on Vance’s official X account noted his visit as a way to honor those who suffered during this historical atrocity. This statement marked a significant moment, as it was reported to be the first usage of “genocide” in the context of the historical events by a vice president.

However, after the post went live, an aide to Vance clarified that it had been shared in error by staff not accompanying him on the trip, a claim that raised eyebrows given the recent history of social media blunders by the administration. Previously, the White House had attributed a separate controversial post involving President Donald Trump and a racist video to staff error as well.

During his visit to Armenia, Vance avoided the term “genocide,” instead referring to the events as “a very terrible thing that happened a little over 100 years ago.” He indicated that the trip was arranged at the request of the Armenian government, emphasizing it as a demonstration of respect towards the victims and the local community.

Historically, U.S. administrations have been cautious about using the term genocide due to diplomatic considerations with Turkey, a key NATO ally, which disputes the scale and characterization of the events. However, this long-standing stance shifted when President Joe Biden formally recognized the Armenian genocide in 2021, calling attention to the severe atrocities committed against the Armenian people. This recognition sparked tensions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following Biden’s explicit acknowledgment of the mass deportations and killings.

The deletion of Vance’s post prompted swift condemnation from leaders within the Armenian diaspora and political opposition. Alex Galitsky, a policy director with the Armenian National Committee of America, criticized the action as “cowardly,” arguing it undermined the dignity of the victims and disrespected efforts for recognition within the community.

Aram Hamparian, the organization’s director, suggested that external pressure from Ankara might have influenced the White House’s decision to remove the post, remarking on the troubling implication of a U.S. leader yielding to foreign demands.

In a joint statement, co-chairs of the Armenian Assembly of America, Talin Yacoubian and Oscar Tatosian, called for clarity from the administration regarding its stance on the genocide. They expressed discontent over the apparent inconsistency in the administration’s messaging, saying, “We deserve better from our elected officials.”

Lawmakers across party lines also expressed their disappointment. Congressman Jim McGovern labeled the removal “disgusting and pathetic,” reaffirming that the Armenian genocide is a historical fact deserving unreserved recognition. His comments reflect a broader frustration with the administration’s apparent deference to geopolitical considerations over moral imperatives.

The ongoing controversy underscores the complex dynamics influencing U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding relations with Turkey, and highlights the sensitive nature of historical recognition in the geopolitical landscape.