WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance has added a chicken coop to his residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory, along with a dozen baby chicks whose new henhouse is designed to look like the Victorian home where the second family lives.
The coop, which features a round turret and faux slate roof, was donated by Carolina Coops, a North Carolina company that advertises “premium” coops that have amassed a social media following. The coop was custom-built for the residence and completed May 29, the company's owner and founder said.
“It’s something I thought was amazing to do for this country,” Matthew DuBoise said in an interview. “It’s a place of history and a place of significance.”
The coop was built without taxpayer money, according to a person familiar with the project who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The residence hosted a family event over the weekend where local 4-H students taught other kids about the newly installed coup, the person said.
Vice presidents since 1977 have lived on the grounds of the 72-acre Naval Observatory, and many have left their own imprint on the property. Joe Biden added a heritage garden, Mike Pence's wife, Karen, contributed beehives, and Kamala Harris’ updates included pink wallpaper in the house’s library. A heated swimming pool on the property was added by Dan Quayle in 1991.
Backyard chickens have seen a resurgence in American life in recent years. A 2025 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 11 million U.S. households had them.
Vance's new coop was first reported by The Daily Wire.
On the campaign trail in 2024, Vance often talked about the high price of eggs as an indicator of the inflation that he blamed on then-President Joe Biden. Vance joked about how many eggs his two young sons eat, once saying they “eat about 14 eggs every single morning.”
DuBoise said he told his team to design a custom coop that the Vances would fall in love with. His designer drew inspiration from the 19th century residence, recreating its round turret and green trim.
To cap it off, Vance and his family picked out 12 chicks to start their flock, he said.
DuBoise described it as an “American dream” moment to have his business chosen for the project. He oversaw the installation and offered advice to Vance, his wife, Usha, and their children. When Vance saw it for the first time, the vice president's face lit up, DuBoise said.
“I couldn’t have been happier to see that excitement," he said. “They’re just very, very happy, and I’m glad."
Vice President JD Vance speaks with reporters upon arriving on Air Force Two at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Pool)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Wataru Endo made clear Monday night that Japan has very high expectations for the World Cup.
“We will do our best with pride and passion to achieve something that we’ve never seen before in Japan’s soccer history,” Japan's captain said.
The Liverpool defensive midfielder and his teammates spent nearly an hour at an open practice jogging around the pitch at GEODIS Park, home of Major League Soccer's Nashville club, after arriving earlier Monday. Nashville is home before Japan opens the World Cup on Sunday against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, in Group F.
More than 5,000 fans were in the stands watching the open practice. While some traveled from Japan, others came from Michigan, Atlanta and even Austin, Texas, for a glimpse of the Samurai Blue. Japan wrapped up the nearly one-hour session with players taking turns tossing or handing gifts to fans.
Takuro Kaya and his son, Yuhi, wore team gear after driving from North Carolina to support Japan. Kaya said his son's favorite player is Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma, who was left off the squad with an injured hamstring, but that his son was excited to see other players like midfielder Junya Ito.
Kaya and his son also will be traveling to the Dallas area to watch Japan play while expecting a deep run in this World Cup.
“We’re so excited and motivated to come here," Kaya said.
Japan is competing at its eighth straight World Cup and aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the third tournament in a row. Japan stunned Germany and Spain for two of the biggest upsets at the last World Cup in Qatar.
The next step is advancing past the round of 16 after being eliminated on penalties by eventual semifinalist Croatia in 2022.
Japan got a taste of Nashville weather, with torrential thunderstorms ahead of its open practice leading to muggy conditions under a hot sun. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said he likes Nashville as a host city and doesn't anticipate weather being an issue.
“We practiced in Mexico, and it was really hot," Suzuki said. "So I think of course here U.S. is also hot, but now we are getting ready for that.”
Associated Press writer Kristin M. Hall contributed to this report.
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
Fans cheer for the Japan national team during a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Fans cheer for the Japan national team during a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Shou Itoh, center, cheers for the Japan national team during a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The Japan national team jogs around the pitch during a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu takes a picture with fans after a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
