JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) has had a dramatic transformation in his views on former President Donald Trump, from being a skeptic to becoming his loyal running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

Former President Donald Trump made a bold choice in selecting Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Vance was once a prominent critic of Trump, but has since become one of his most ardent supporters. Here's what you need to know about the Republican vice presidential nominee:

1. **From Trump Critic to Loyal Ally:**

JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

- Prior to 2016, Vance expressed skepticism about Trump's candidacy, describing him as "cultural heroin" and comparing him to "America's Hitler."

- However, Vance has since had a change of heart, crediting Trump's presidency for changing his mind about him.

JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

- Vance is now a steadfast supporter of Trump, praising his policies and his leadership.

2. **Best-Selling Author and Movie Subject:**

JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

- Vance is the author of the best-selling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which chronicles his upbringing in poverty in rural Kentucky and Ohio.

- In 2020, the book was adapted into a movie by Netflix, starring Glenn Close as Vance's grandmother.

JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

- The movie received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for Close.

3. **Military Service and Senate Election:**

JD Vance: From Trump Critic to Loyal Running Mate

- Vance enlisted in the Marines and served in Iraq as a corporal in the public affairs section of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

- In 2022, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating his opponent, former Rep. Tim Ryan, by more than 200,000 votes.

- Vance's election was aided by Trump's endorsement, which gave him a significant advantage in the Republican primary.

4. **Skepticism of Foreign Aid:**

- Vance has established a reputation in the Senate for being particularly skeptical of foreign aid, especially to Ukraine.

- He voted against the $95 billion foreign aid supplemental to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, and has introduced legislation to improve oversight of aid to Ukraine.

- Vance's skepticism stems from his experiences in Iraq, where he believes he was misled by the foreign policy establishment.

5. **Venture Capitalist and Thiel Supporter:**

- After graduating from Yale Law School, Vance worked as a junior investor at Mithril Capital, an investment firm owned by GOP megadonor Peter Thiel.

- He later joined Revolution, a venture capital firm co-founded by former AOL chairman Steve Case.

- Vance launched his own venture capital firm, Narya Capital, and received significant financial support from Thiel.

- Thiel was also a major backer of Vance's Senate campaign, donating $15 million to a PAC supporting him.

In conclusion, Sen. JD Vance's journey from Trump critic to loyal running mate highlights his evolution in political views and his close ties to former President Trump. As the Republican vice presidential nominee, Vance will play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election and will seek to help Trump return to the White House.