The Bluesky account of Vice President JD Vance brutally appeared to have been suspended - just ten minutes after he triumphantly declared that it was live.

Vance, who has made it a personal mission to champion what he considers freedom of speech online, took to his X account to proclaim he had entered the world of Bluesky - the rival social media platform to X, which many left-wing users in particular saw as a refuge from X after it was bought by Trump ally and world's wealthiest man Elon Musk.

Vance said via his X account: "Just set up my page on @bluesky, hope to see you guys there!"

However, Politico journalist Ben Jacobs noticed the account appeared to have been taken down, with a "Not found, account suspended" notice in place of the account.

Followers of Jacobs were swift to react:

Robert Beatey said, " That deserves a Senate Hearing" with laughing emoji.

Constellation Finder quipped, "Wow, already? Wonder what happened. would probably have some wild theories about this."

And on Vance's own post, the comments came in thick and fast.

Marelda said "Already the account has been suspended, damn that was quick."

Nick Sortor said "UPDATE: BlueCry banned the sitting VP for hurting their feelings."

At the time of writing it appears that Vance's Bluesky account has been reinstated by the social media platform.

Vance has made headlines for his outspoken stance on free speech, fiercely defending the right to voice controversial opinions.

The Hillbilly Elegy author has warned of a growing threat to civil liberties in the US, claiming political elites are stifling open debate.

Vance has criticised social media giants and corporate interests for what he sees as censorship of conservative voices.

His robust defence of the First Amendment has earned both praise and backlash, but the Ohio senator insists free expression is "a cornerstone of democracy" that must be protected, regardless of political persuasion.