In a dramatic political pivot, Ohio Senator JD Vance, selected as Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, has undergone a striking transformation from a staunch critic to a fervent supporter of the former president. Before Trump’s election, Vance, best known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, was vocally critical of Trump. In private messages from 2016, Vance questioned whether Trump was “America’s Hitler” and labeled him a “moral disaster.” Publicly, he called Trump a “total fraud” who lacked genuine concern for ordinary Americans and was “reprehensible.”
Vance’s skepticism was evident in a 2016 message to a friend where he confided, “I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldn’t be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he’s America’s Hitler.” His disapproval continued into 2017, when he criticized Trump’s response to the Charlottesville rally and described him as “one of USA’s most hated, villainous, douchey celebs.”
Despite these criticisms, Vance’s stance began to shift significantly over the years. In the run-up to the 2016 election, he openly stated he would not vote for Trump, even considering a vote for Hillary Clinton before ultimately supporting independent candidate Evan McMullin. Vance also criticized Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric, arguing that they were simplistic and divisive.
However, by 2020, Vance had fully embraced Trump. He admitted voting for Trump in the 2020 election and sought Trump’s endorsement in his successful 2022 Senate race. This shift was so pronounced that Vance was forced to apologize for past criticisms after old tweets resurfaced during his campaign.
In a 2021 interview, Vance expressed regret for his previous statements, saying, “I did say those critical things and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy.” He now credits Trump’s “many successes in office” for his change of heart and has pledged to support Trump’s bid for the presidency.
Vance’s evolution reflects broader trends within the Republican Party, as it increasingly aligns with working-class White voters. His initial criticisms of Trump, which included remarks about racial issues and simplistic policy solutions, stand in stark contrast to his current staunch support for the former president.
Key Points
- Historical Criticism of Trump:
- Private Messages: In 2016, JD Vance questioned if Donald Trump was “America’s Hitler” and criticized him as a “moral disaster.”
- Public Statements: Vance publicly labeled Trump a “total fraud” and “reprehensible,” and criticized his response to the Charlottesville rally.
- Shift in Stance:
- 2016 Election: Vance expressed his intent not to vote for Trump, considering other candidates like Hillary Clinton and Evan McMullin.
- 2020 Endorsement: By 2020, Vance supported Trump, admitted voting for him, and sought Trump’s endorsement for his Senate campaign.
- Political Reversal:
- Apology and Regret: During his 2022 Senate campaign, Vance apologized for past criticisms of Trump, acknowledging regret for his previous statements.
- Support for Trump: Vance now cites Trump’s “many successes in office” as a reason for his support and aims to ensure Trump’s victory in the upcoming election.
- Broader Trend:
- GOP Realignment: Vance’s transformation reflects a broader shift in the Republican Party towards aligning with working-class White voters.
- Criticisms of Trump’s Policies: Previously, Vance criticized Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric as oversimplified and divisive.
- Current Political Position:
- Vice Presidential Pick: Vance’s selection as Trump’s vice presidential pick underscores his complete reversal from earlier criticisms to enthusiastic support.
