**WASHINGTON** — Following weeks of behind-the-scenes work, Vice President-elect JD Vance has taken on a more prominent role in Washington, aiming to aid Donald Trump in advancing his Cabinet nominees through the Senate, where Vance has gained experience over the past two years.
On Wednesday, Vance made a notable appearance in the Capitol alongside former Representative Matt Gaetz, attending meetings concerning Trump’s attorney general nominee with influential Republicans from the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Gaetz withdrew his candidacy the following day after facing scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and a low likelihood of confirmation.
The next day, Vance returned with Pete Hegseth, the host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” who has been selected by Trump for the role of secretary of defense. Hegseth, too, has been accused of sexual assault—claims he vehemently denies.
As the Vice President-elect, Vance’s role in facilitating nominations is somewhat of an anomaly. Traditionally, such responsibilities fall to a former senator with established relationships or junior aides. Nonetheless, Vance’s recent experience in the Senate and his existing alliances there make him a fitting choice, according to Marc Short, who previously served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs and as chief of staff to Mike Pence.
This transition mirrors a different style from Trump’s prior transition, which was out in the open, taking place at locations such as Trump Tower in New York City and a golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The current process has mainly unfolded away from the public eye at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, where a select group of aides and officials gathers daily to discuss potential nominees. This group includes high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who has been a frequent visitor to the club.
Vance has remained a staple at these meetings, albeit in a less public-facing manner. He has spent significant time at Mar-a-Lago recently, maintaining an active role in the transitioning process where he serves as an honorary chair. The opulent environment contrasts starkly with the humble beginnings recounted in his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
His family has occasionally joined him at Mar-a-Lago, with moments captured of him playing with his children against the backdrop of the resort’s luxurious setting. On days he’s not at the club, Vance is participating in meetings via Zoom. While he has lowered his public profile in terms of TV appearances, Vance is still heavily engaged in discussions related to candidate evaluations and interviews.
Vance has defended himself against criticisms for missed Senate votes during this period, citing meetings with Trump concerning potential appointments, including for the FBI Director position. “I believe prioritizing a suitable FBI director to address deep state concerns outweighs the political implications of a vote,” he remarked on social media.
Though he didn’t arrive at the transition with a specific list of nominees he wished to champion, Vance and Donald Trump Jr. have expressed support for roles for former Democratic representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump ultimately designated Gabbard as the director of national intelligence and Kennedy to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
Vance is also enthusiastic about Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who has been named Trump’s “border czar.” On top of this, his influence is illustrated by the expected appointment of James Braid, a top aide, as Trump’s director of legislative affairs.
Although it may be premature to speculate on Vance’s future responsibilities within the administration, he remains committed to addressing whatever needs arise in service of Trump’s agenda. Recently, he was seen providing a tour of the Capitol to a Boy Scout troop and was present during leadership elections.
His continued presence is vital, particularly as he assists in meeting Trump’s more controversial nominees, such as Gaetz and Hegseth. While it’s typical for nominees to engage with senators in their offices, Vance instead hosted them in his office, requiring senators to come to him, partly due to security arrangements.
As Vance remains active in Senate votes, he is expected to cultivate the relationships he has formed there going forward. Many Republicans possess long-standing connections with Trump, but those who’ve been involved with Vance find him approachable and engaging.
Under constitutional guidelines, Vance will also preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes, although he’s not likely to have to do so as frequently as Kamala Harris did during her term given the projected Republican majority next year.