J.D. Vance Picked as Trump’s Running Mate: Key Details to Know

 

Former President Donald Trump has announced Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election. The announcement on Truth Social has spotlighted Vance, a strong Trump ally who was once a critic.

Who is J.D. Vance?

• Background: Vance is a 39-year-old Iraq War veteran, Yale-educated lawyer, and former venture capitalist. He gained fame with his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which examines the socio-economic decline in his Ohio hometown.
• Political Career: Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022 with Trump's endorsement, which played a crucial role in his victory over GOP primary challenger Josh Mandel and Democratic nominee Tim Ryan.
• Support: Vance received significant support from billionaire Peter Thiel, who contributed about $15 million to his Senate campaign, marking the largest donation ever for a single Senate candidate.

Vance’s Political Stance

• Campaign Priorities: His campaign focuses on reducing unnecessary spending and inflation, boosting domestic oil and gas production, combating the drug and opioid epidemic, ending abortion, protecting the southern border, and reforming immigration policy.
• Controversial Statements: Vance is known for his bold rhetoric. After Trump was shot at, Vance suggested that President Biden's campaign strategy had indirectly led to the attempt on Trump's life.

Vance’s Evolution on Trump

• Initial Critic: Vance did not support Trump in the 2016 election, even describing him as “reprehensible” and comparing him to “America’s Hitler.”
• Change of Heart: By 2021, Vance expressed regret for his past comments, which helped secure Trump's endorsement. Trump acknowledged Vance's criticisms but noted that Vance now fully supports him.

"Hillbilly Elegy"

• Impact: Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," brought him into the national spotlight. The book explores the struggles of low-income, white, working-class families in Appalachia, drawing on Vance's personal experiences.
• Adaptation: The book was adapted into a Netflix film in 2020.

Criticisms and Controversies

• Abortion: Vance has faced backlash for his previous support of a nationwide abortion ban.
• Same-Sex Marriage: He has opposed federal legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriage.
• Election Stance: Vance has stated he would not have certified the 2020 election results if he were in then-Vice President Mike Pence's position.

Background and Future Outlook

• Potential VP Pick: Vance was among the frontrunners for Trump's vice-presidential pick, alongside Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Trump emphasized wanting a VP with experience and a calm demeanor.
• Trump's Decision: Trump announced Vance’s selection as his running mate amid growing scrutiny and anticipation.

This detailed overview highlights J.D. Vance’s background, political stance, and the evolution of his relationship with Donald Trump, positioning him as a significant figure in the upcoming 2024 election.