NEW YORK — JD Vance is set to make history as the first millennial vice president of the United States, positioning himself as a leading figure in the “Make America Great Again” movement. Though he has not yet been assigned a specific role within the White House, Vance’s known interests include technology, immigration, and disaster relief. Those close to him indicate that his main focus will be to support President-elect Donald Trump and assist the new administration in executing its agenda. He is also anticipated to build upon the relationships he forged during his two years in the Senate, serving as a crucial bridge to Capitol Hill.
Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio, a close ally, characterized Vance as adaptable and ready to provide whatever support is necessary to benefit the administration and the president. He emphasized Vance’s capacity to take on any role required and suggested that Vance would continue as Trump’s chief communicator, defending the president on various media platforms.
Vance has come a long way over the past eight years. Formerly a venture capitalist and a vocal critic of Trump, he now finds himself as a key player not only in Trump’s return to the White House but also in shaping the future of the MAGA movement. Given that Trump is ineligible to run in 2028 due to constitutional restrictions, Vance emerges as a leading candidate to carry forward that vision. However, maintaining Trump’s favor will be essential for Vance’s success.
Initially, Vance’s selection as vice president met with skepticism. His past comments regarding women without children drew considerable backlash, leading some to describe him as one of the most unpopular vice presidential picks in recent history. Nonetheless, he rebounded impressively during the vice presidential debate, becoming a favored surrogate for Trump and showcasing his ability to navigate the media landscape effectively. His readiness to engage with challenging topics and reporters won him commendations from Trump, who described him as a tenacious ally during his victory address.
In comparison, Trump’s relationship with his last vice president, Mike Pence, deteriorated sharply, particularly following the events of January 6, 2021. Pence’s refusal to endorse efforts to overturn the 2020 election results led to a rift with Trump, who subsequently blamed Pence for his electoral loss. As a result, Pence’s political aspirations dwindled, and he exited the race for the 2024 nomination early, struggling to find support or funding.
O’Malley, who served as Pence’s former press secretary, observed that while expectations were initially high for Pence and Trump, the dynamics differed considerably between Vance and Trump. Vance is not only aligned ideologically with Trump but has developed a genuine friendship with him, speaking almost daily. In addition, he maintains strong connections with influential individuals in Trump’s inner circle, which bolster his position.
Though the 2028 election may be years away, many view Vance as a natural successor to Trump’s legacy, with some key advisers describing him as the future leader of the Republican Party. At a recent gathering, senior Trump adviser Jason Miller expressed his belief in Vance’s potential to carry the MAGA torch forward.
As Vance prepares to be sworn in, he will be making history not only as the youngest vice president but also as one of the first vice presidents in nearly two decades with young children. His youth is viewed as an asset by some, such as Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who pointed out that Vance’s familiarity with social media and a bold communication style could resonate well with the younger voting demographic.
Supporters of Vance emphasize his Everyman persona, describing him as relatable and down-to-earth. He embraces an informal style, often engaging in conversations as a “regular guy,” according to those advising him. From attending football games to enjoying casual hangouts, Vance’s character resonates well with many who appreciate his approachable demeanor.
In a light-hearted moment, Vance addressed the impending clash between his beloved Ohio State and Notre Dame in the national championship, humorously lamenting about missing his inauguration to watch the game. Such relatable humor forms part of the image he has cultivated in the political arena while still maintaining a commitment to his responsibilities as vice president.
Despite his inclination towards sports, Vance is expected to fulfill his ceremonial duties in Washington, though he may still keep an eye on his phone for updates throughout the night of the Liberty Ball.