James David Vance, known as J.D. Vance, was sworn in as Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2025, alongside Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. At 40, the former Ohio senator and author of the bestseller Hillbilly Elegy transformed from a harsh critic to a loyal Trump ally, becoming a central figure in the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. His meteoric political rise, with just three years of national experience, reflects an ideological shift that positioned him as Trump’s political heir. Vance’s selection aims to strengthen the conservative base and attract younger voters, while his protectionist and anti-immigration stance shapes the new administration. This article explores his journey, controversies, and role in Trump’s government.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, on August 2, 1984, in a region hit by industrial decline, Vance was raised by his maternal grandparents due to his mother’s drug addiction. His challenging childhood, detailed in his memoir, shaped his narrative. His service in the Marine Corps, including time in Iraq, and his Yale Law degree propelled him as a voice for the white working class.
- Key milestones in Vance’s early journey:
- Born in Ohio to a working-class family.
- Served in Iraq as a Marine Corps journalist.
- Published Hillbilly Elegy in 2016, adapted by Netflix.
- Elected to the Senate in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement.
Political rise and shift in stance
J.D. Vance’s political career began in 2021 when he ran for Senate in Ohio, backed by Donald Trump. Previously, he had criticized Trump, calling him an “idiot,” “noxious,” and even comparing him to Adolf Hitler in 2016. His shift, starting in 2018, led to a firm alliance with Trump, marked by a public apology. In the Senate, Vance embraced a conservative agenda, focusing on protectionist policies like taxing imports and taking hardline stances against immigration and foreign aid, such as to Ukraine.
His 2022 election, defeating Democrat Tim Ryan by over 200,000 votes, solidified his status as an emerging Republican leader. His selection as vice president in July 2024, during the Republican National Convention, was driven by figures like Donald Trump Jr. and billionaire Peter Thiel, a longtime financial backer.
- Key shifts in Vance’s stance:
- Criticized Trump in 2016, calling him “reprehensible” and a “moral fraud.”
- Supported Trump’s narrative on alleged 2020 election fraud.
- Advocated anti-immigration and protectionist policies in the Senate.
- Chosen as vice president in 2024, reinforcing the MAGA agenda.
Controversies and campaign impact
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Vance was at the center of controversies that boosted his visibility but drew criticism. One notable issue was spreading a false rumor about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, allegedly kidnapping and eating pets. Shared by Vance and echoed by Trump in a debate against Kamala Harris, the claim led to over 30 bomb threats to local schools and public buildings, plus death threats to the city’s mayor. Vance admitted the reports might be false but defended sharing them to highlight illegal immigration.
Another controversy stemmed from his comments about “childless women” in power, dubbed “cat ladies.” In a Fox News interview, Vance suggested the U.S. was run by “bitter” people projecting their unhappiness. These remarks sparked accusations of misogyny and extremism from Democrats.
- Major controversies during Vance’s campaign:
- Spread false rumor about immigrants in Ohio, causing local tensions.
- Made controversial remarks about childless women, labeled “cat ladies.”
- Criticized aid to Ukraine, prioritizing domestic policies.
Ideological profile and worldview
J.D. Vance is a nationalist and populist conservative, influenced by his 2019 conversion to Catholicism. His political vision prioritizes the American working class, emphasizing policies to protect local jobs and curb immigration. He opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, though he softened his abortion stance after Ohio voters approved a pro-reproductive rights amendment in 2023.
Internationally, Vance made waves at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, criticizing European leaders for migration and free speech policies, calling them undemocratic. He also clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of ingratitude for U.S. aid. These positions align with Trump’s “America First” approach, focusing on reducing U.S. involvement in global conflicts.
- Core pillars of Vance’s political vision:
- Economic nationalism, with import taxes and job protection.
- Opposition to immigration policies and foreign aid, like to Ukraine.
- Catholic influence on social issues, such as abortion opposition.
- Criticism of global elites, championing working-class interests.
Role in the Trump administration
As vice president, Vance serves as a bridge between Trump and Congress, described as the president’s “eyes and ears” in the legislature. His youth and communication skills are assets for promoting the MAGA agenda, especially among younger and working-class voters. He also chairs the Republican National Committee, strengthening his party influence.
His ties to Silicon Valley figures like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, who backed his Senate campaign, bolster his role in a government seeking tech industry partnerships. Unlike his predecessor, Mike Pence, who clashed with Trump during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Vance has pledged unwavering loyalty, stating he would have followed Trump’s lead in certifying the 2020 election results.
- Vance’s roles in the administration:
- Articulating Trump’s agenda in Congress.
- Leading the Republican National Committee.
- Representing the U.S. in diplomatic events, like global leader summits.
Personal life and cultural legacy
Married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, an Indian-American lawyer, since 2014, Vance has three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. His 2019 conversion to Catholicism, influenced by Thiel and St. Augustine’s writings, shaped his political and personal views. Hillbilly Elegy brought him fame but faced criticism for portraying working-class communities as responsible for their decline, overlooking systemic economic factors. Still, the book resonated with Republican voters, cementing Vance as a voice for rural America.
His journey from a challenging childhood to one of the highest U.S. offices reflects a narrative of overcoming adversity. Yet, his rapid rise raises questions about his ideological consistency, given his past criticisms of Trump.
- Aspects of Vance’s personal life:
- Interfaith marriage with Usha, daughter of Indian immigrants.
- Converted to Catholicism in 2019, influenced by Peter Thiel.
- Three children, maintaining a low-key family profile in Washington.