In a striking display of camaraderie, JD Vance shared a glimpse of a private dinner with Donald Trump and Melania Trump, quelling whispers about the former president's recent low profile, as the Daily Mail reports.

The event, hosted at the VP's official residence, comes amid criticism from Democrats over Trump's lack of public appearances during a turbulent week marked by a government shutdown.

Trump's last public press engagement occurred on Tuesday, just before a government shutdown took effect at midnight that day. Since then, the 79-year-old has not been seen at public events on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. This absence sparked concern and commentary from political opponents.

Behind closed doors at Naval Observatory

On Thursday evening, Trump traveled via motorcade to the Naval Observatory for a private dinner with JD Vance and his wife, Usha. Reporters were not permitted to witness the gathering, maintaining a veil of privacy over the event.

Vance later posted a photo on X, capturing the group together, with Trump and Vance in suits and ties, Melania in a leather dress, and Usha in a black top, blazer, and patterned skirt.

"It's always a good time when you get to have the boss over for dinner!" Vance wrote on the platform.

He added, "Usha and I were so grateful that President Trump and our lovely First Lady, Melania, could join us for dinner at the Vice President's Residence last night." This public sharing aimed to counter narratives about Trump's whereabouts.

Scrutiny over Trump's visibility emerges

Criticism emerged from some liberal voices and Democrat leaders regarding Trump's absence from the public eye this week. House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, speaking at a Capitol Hill press conference on Friday, remarked, "Throughout this week, Donald Trump has been missing in action."

Jeffries further stated, "He remains in the presidential witness protection program." This comment underscored the frustration among some over Trump's absence during critical times.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back against such critiques during her Friday briefing. She said, "That's just more ridiculous fodder from Team Jeffries."

White House defends schedule

Leavitt emphasized Trump's workload, stating, "As you all know, because you're here every day, the president is literally working around the clock right now." She noted his involvement in a swearing-in ceremony and multiple meetings.

She continued, "He literally works 24/7. Anyone who works in this place or covers this place, as you all do, knows that to be true." Leavitt also urged Democrats to focus on reopening the government.

Additionally, she highlighted ongoing discussions to resolve the shutdown, saying, "The Senate Republicans are speaking directly with moderate Democrats. I understand those conversations have become very serious and we hope positive in the right direction so that Democrats can do the right thing."

Private activities, public speculation

Despite a lack of live public appearances, Trump's activities included a pre-taped interview aired on Thursday by One America News, recorded the previous day. On Friday, a brief video shared by aide Margo Martin showed Trump at the Resolute Desk during the closed-press swearing-in of Christine Toretti as U.S. ambassador to Sweden. Toretti had faced prior Senate rejections for a different ambassadorial role during Trump's first term.

Also on Friday, Leavitt shared a photo of Trump recording a video in the Oval Office regarding updates on Gaza, though media access was restricted.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai told the Daily Mail that Trump had conducted press conferences, a lengthy interview, and facilitated a significant Middle East peace agreement recently.

Desai criticized Democrats' priorities, saying, "What’s missing is the Democrats' concern for everyday Americans who are reeling from the Democrats' government shutdown."

He added, "Democrats should do some soul searching about why they care more about free health care for illegal aliens than American citizens." This rhetoric reflects the ongoing political friction surrounding Trump's visibility and the shutdown.