Vance, 39, has become one of the most vocal advocates of the former president’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, particularly on trade, foreign policy and immigration.
Donald Trump named Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, picking a former critic turned staunch ally who is now the first millennial to join a major party ticket at a time of growing concern about the advancing age of America’s political leaders.
“After much deliberation and consideration, and considering the immense talents of many others, I have determined that the person best suited to serve as Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the great State of Ohio,” Trump said in a message posted on his Truth social network.
JD Vance, 39, rose to national prominence with the 2016 publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy”He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has become one of the most vocal advocates of the former president’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, particularly on trade, foreign policy and immigration.
But he has yet to prove himself in national politics and joins the Trump ticket at an extraordinary time. Mr Trump’s assassination attempt at rally on Saturday has shaken up the campaign, drawing renewed attention to the country’s crude political rhetoric and reinforcing the importance of those who are a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Mr Vance himself was criticised in the wake of the shooting for posting a message on X suggesting that President Joe Biden was responsible for the violence.
Law enforcement has yet to say why the shooting happened, but the move is sure to energize Mr. Trump’s loyal base.
Mr. Vance has become a fixture on the conservative media circuit and frequently clashes with reporters on Capitol Hill, helping establish him as the kind of leader who could carry Mr. Trump’s torch into the future, starting with the next presidential election in 2028.
But the choice also means that two white men will now lead the Republican Party, at a time when Mr. Trump is seeking to establish himself among black and Latino voters.
Additional sources • adaptation: Serge Duchêne