Trump picks J.D. Vance as VP
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Donald Trump invited J.D. Vance to a November 2022 rally in Vandalia. Photo: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Former President Trump has selected Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee announced Monday.
Why it matters: Vance, a Trump critic-turned-fervent supporter, is one of the former president's closest allies on Capitol Hill and a loyal defender of his domestic and foreign policy.
- Trump allies are hopeful that Vance, a Rust Belt native famous for his bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy," could help boost the former president's standing among voters in some of these key states in November.
- The long-awaited announcement during the Republican National Convention came after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally over the weekend.
Driving the news: "J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond," Trump wrote on his Truth Social.
- "As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN."
- Trump said that he made the decision "after lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others."
Between the lines: The announcement also comes after President Biden's shaky debate performance, which may have helped Vance's prospects as VP. Other potential candidates included North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
- Trump may have felt emboldened to pick a conservative firebrand instead of a more low-key choice, Axios' Juliegrace Brufke and Sophia Cai previously reported.
State of play: Vance, who had risen to the top of Trump's VP shortlist in recent weeks, vied for the coveted spot by hosting fundraisers for the former president, appearing at rallies and being the first VP hopeful to flock to the Manhattan courthouse for Trump's New York criminal trial.
- Trump's team kept their VP selection plans tight-lipped, but the contest for the No. 2 spot became a high-profile audition among many of his top allies.
Zoom in: Vance, 39, was elected to the Senate in 2022 after receiving the former president's endorsement in his crowded Senate race.
- Vance, who is friends with Donald Trump Jr., has aligned himself with the MAGA wing of the GOP on the Hill, in part by defending Trump's America First foreign policy stance.
- The former president's allies have also praised him as a strong voice for populist conservatives.
Vance earned Trump's endorsement after he was impressed by the political newcomer during a debate for his Senate bid.
- As Trump's pick, Vance is expected to take on Vice President Kamala Harris during a debate this summer.
Flashback: Though now one of Trump's fiercest defenders, Vance previously publicly criticized the former president, calling him an "idiot" and "noxious" ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
- Vance has since said he regrets his comments, but Democrats may seize on his past criticisms now that he's part of Trump's ticket.
What's next: Vance is now in prime position to represent the next generation of MAGA leadership in the years to come.
Go deeper: J.D. Vance shows range defending Trump
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
