WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance dismissed criticism of AI-generated videos that President Donald Trump posted to social media of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in a mustache and sombrero that the Democratic leader and others have characterized as racist.

Appearing in the White House briefing room on Wednesday, Oct. 1 during the first day of a government shutdown, Vance said Trump was "joking" and "having a good time" with the memes that Democrats ripped as making a mockery of negotiations to keep the lights on across federal departments.

The videos used footage of Jeffries appearing on CNN and alongside Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer addressing reporters at the White House on Sept. 29 after a meeting with Trump failed to produce a deal. One Trump post included faked audio of Schumer making derogatory comments about immigrants, as mariachi music played in the background. The other spoofed Jeffries while he was on cable TV complaining about the original post.

"I think it's funny. The president's joking. And we're having a good time. You can negotiate in good faith while also poking a little bit of fun at some of the absurdities of the Democrats' positions, and even poking some fun at the absurdity of the Democrats themselves," Vance said.

The VP added: "I'll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now, I make this solemn promise to you: that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop."

"And I've talked to the president of the United States about that," he added.

After Trump posted the video, Jeffries told reporters from the steps of the U.S. Capitol, "Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don't cop out to a racist and fake AI video. When I'm back in the Oval Office, say it to my face."

"If you think your shutdown is a joke, it just proves what we all know: You can’t negotiate," Schumer said in a Sept. 29 social media post. "You can only throw tantrums."

Vance told reporters he did not understand why Jeffries was offended. The White House dug in, playing the videos on a loop in the press area, later in the day.

The vice president addressed reporters amid the dispute between Republicans and Democrats over funding priorities, including healthcare benefits. The federal government closed overnight for all but essential services after the two sides failed to come to an agreement to keep it open.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Kinsey Crowley

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Joking,' Vance dismisses criticism over AI video of Jeffries in a sombrero

Reporting by Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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