Sophie Thomas has been covering culture and style for many years. She lives in Southern California.
February 16 , 2026
Youngstown, OH - Vice President JD Vance announced Sunday that he is “giving up samosas for Lent,” describing the decision as an act of spiritual discipline and “a symbolic stand against indulgence.”
Speaking to reporters during a brief stop in Youngstown, Vance explained that his choice “wasn’t about politics, culture, or cuisine—just about sacrifice.” He added, “I love a good samosa. That flaky pastry, the potatoes, the spice—it’s hard to walk away from that. But that’s what Lent is about.”
The comment immediately set off a flurry of reactions online. Some saw it as a lighthearted moment in an otherwise tense political season. Others questioned whether it reflected a clumsy attempt at cultural outreach. Within hours, hashtags like #SamosaGate and #VanceFast were trending on X (formerly Twitter).
White House Press Secretary Karolyn Leavitt tried to downplay the buzz, saying in a statement, “The Vice President’s choice of Lenten discipline is a personal one. The President fully supports his spiritual journey—and his temporary farewell to fried snacks.”
Not everyone was so diplomatic. Prominent food writers reminded Americans that samosas, while ubiquitous, are deeply rooted in South Asian cuisine. Chef Anita Patel of Chicago quipped, “Giving up samosas for Lent is a bit like giving up tacos on Cinco de Mayo—not wrong, just… confusing.”
Still, some Catholic commentators applauded the gesture, praising it as a reminder that Lent isn’t only about abstaining from obvious vices. “Food carries cultural meaning,” said Father Thomas Callahan of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Columbus. “If a favorite dish helps remind him of humility and self-control, then that’s perfectly valid.”
Meanwhile, Indian grocery stores reported no decline in samosa sales. “If anything, they’re up,” laughed Raj Malhotra, owner of Desi Bazaar in Cleveland. “Everyone seems to want the snack the Vice President can’t have.”
As Lent begins, the nation watches to see whether Vance’s samosa fast holds until Easter—or if, like so many well‑intentioned resolutions, it crumbles under temptation.
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