Who is JD Vance, chosen by Trump as Vice President?
Senator JD Vance, the junior senator from Ohio, has quickly risen to prominence after the publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” just before Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election.
On Monday, Trump made a significant announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, declaring Vance as his running mate.
Vance, at 39 years old, secured his election to the U.S. Senate in 2022 and has held his position for a year and a half. Here is all you need to know about him.
Vance’s book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” propelled him into the spotlight in 2016, recounting his personal journey amidst the struggles of Appalachia and Rust Belt America.
A central theme of Vance’s book emphasizes the belief that individuals in economically and socially distressed regions can uplift their lives solely through their own determination. The book provided insight for individuals in more affluent areas into the lives of Trump’s core supporters in 2016.
When Trump emerged victorious, Vance’s book served as a guide for leaders and the media to comprehend the demographics that supported Trump and how Trump resonated with struggling Americans in the Rust Belt.
Trump praised Vance on Truth Social, stating, “J.D.’s book, ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country.”
Vance has voiced his stance that if he were vice president, he would have declined to certify the 2020 election results on January 6, 2020. He expressed his opinion that multiple slates of electors should have been considered, contending that the U.S. Congress should have thoroughly debated the matter. Vance believes this would have been the legitimate procedure to address the contentious election of 2020.
In a contrasting view, Trump pressured Pence in 2020 to refrain from certifying the electoral votes confirming Joe Biden’s victory. Pence, as the presiding figure during Congress’ joint session, deemed his role ceremonial and announced Biden’s win. Trump maintains his claim that Pence had the authority to alter the outcome.
Regarding specific issues, Vance has shared his positions:
- Abortion: Vance stated his support for a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks but aligns with Trump’s view of allowing states to decide on the matter.
- Ukraine: Vance opposes U.S. aid for Ukraine, citing concerns over the lack of a clear strategy for Ukraine’s prosperity in dealing with Russia.
- Train and rail safety: Vance has been actively advocating for rail safety measures following a toxic train incident in Ohio and introduced legislation to prevent future mishaps.
Vance’s early life was marked by turmoil, being given up for adoption by his biological father to his stepfather at a young age. Raised in a challenging environment with his mother’s addiction struggles, Vance found solace with his grandparents in Kentucky, particularly his grandmother’s influence.
Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, Vance later pursued a law degree at Yale University, detailing his struggles to adapt to the elite culture prevalent at the institution.
In his Senate tenure, Vance serves on various committees, including Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Commerce Science and Transportation, Joint Economic, and Special Committee on Aging.
Married to Usha Chilukuri, a successful attorney whom he met at Yale, Vance and his wife, who have three children, form a prominent couple in political and legal circles.
Senator JD Vance’s rapid rise in politics signifies a unique blend of personal resilience, determination, and governance. As he embarks on the journey as Trump’s running mate, all eyes are on Vance and the path he will chart for the American people.
