JD Vance: From ‘Never Trump’ to Trump’s Ally and Senate Winner

JD Vance, a venture capitalist and author of ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ won a Senate seat in 2022 with the help of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. This was a big change from 2016 when Vance was part of the ‘Never Trump’ movement, openly criticizing Trump.

Vance’s journey to support Trump involved changing his political stance and becoming a strong advocate for Trump’s policies. He met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and appeared on Fox News to show his support. Vance even stood by Trump during his legal challenges in New York.

Vance’s views on the vice president’s role in certifying election results were different from those of former Vice President Mike Pence. Vance expressed doubts about the danger Pence faced during the Capitol breach in January 2021.

In May, Vance told CNN he would respect the outcome of the 2024 election if it was fair and free, but he also emphasized the need to address any problems through legal channels.

Vance’s transformation from a Trump critic to a supporter was notable. In 2016, he privately expressed conflicting views about Trump, comparing him to Nixon and even calling him ‘America’s Hitler.’ He also criticized Trump publicly, calling his appeal ‘cultural heroin’ and questioning his promises.

Despite his early criticisms, Vance’s stance shifted over time. By the 2020 election, he publicly supported Trump, showing his alignment with conservative populism and MAGA principles.