JD Vance: 30 Key Facts About the 50th Vice President of the United States

JD Vance is the 50th Vice President of the United States and bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy. But there's more to his story than meets the eye. What else do you really know about him? Dive in to uncover the full journey!

James David Vance (JD Vance) is an American politician, author, and attorney, currently serving as the 50th Vice President of the United States since 2025 in the administration of President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, Vance represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2025. In addition to his vice presidency, he also holds the role of finance chair for the Republican National Committee.

 Known for his bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy, Vance’s personal journey from a working-class background in Ohio to becoming a prominent voice in American politics has captured national attention. His rise to the vice presidency, particularly after being selected as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 election, highlights his political evolution and increasing influence within the GOP.

Once a critic of Trump, Vance’s views have dramatically shifted, making him one of the former president’s staunchest allies. His embrace of populist-nationalist ideologies and outspoken views on immigration, trade, and cultural issues has positioned him as a leading figure in the Republican Party’s right-wing faction. 

30 Things To Know About J.D. Vance

1. Sworn in as the 50th US Vice President

JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States during a star-studded ceremony in Washington, D.C. Vance was joined by his wife, Usha, and their three young children. During the ceremony, Vance delivered a short speech where he promised to "make America great again," a slogan popularised by former President Donald Trump during his first term.

2. A Memoir That Brought Him Fame

JD Vance gained national attention with his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which explores his childhood in Middletown, Ohio, and Jackson, Kentucky. The book provides an intimate look at the struggles of white working-class communities in post-industrial America, addressing issues such as poverty, addiction, and family breakdown. The book became a bestseller, later being adapted into a Netflix film. Hillbilly Elegy played a key role in his rise to political prominence.

3. The Bestseller and Its Significance

Hillbilly Elegy quickly became a bestseller upon its release in 2016. The book’s exploration of the socio-economic challenges faced by poor white communities in America was seen as an explanation for Trump’s victory, as it offered insight into the disenfranchised working class that propelled his support. The memoir has been praised for shedding light on issues such as addiction, family instability, and the lack of social mobility in areas like Appalachia and the Rust Belt.

4. From Trump Critic to Ally

JD Vance initially made his disdain for Donald Trump known during the 2016 election, calling Trump "dangerous" and "unfit for office." Vance described Trump as "cultural heroin" and a toxic force for the white working class. However, over time, Vance’s stance shifted. By 2020, he had become a steadfast supporter of Trump and his policies. Vance later admitted that his change of heart came after witnessing Trump’s achievements and the liberal backlash against him.

5. A Populist Voice for the Midwest

Vance’s Midwestern roots and his memoir Hillbilly Elegy made him a powerful voice in the Midwest, particularly in key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. His ability to connect with working-class voters who felt left behind by both political parties made him a prominent figure in the Trump coalition. By aligning himself with Trump’s "America First" agenda, Vance was able to energise the president’s base and rally support in these critical regions..

6. Outspoken on Global Outsourcing

Throughout his career, Vance has been outspoken about the global outsourcing of American jobs, particularly to China and Mexico. He has consistently blamed China for the decline of American manufacturing, describing it as the "biggest threat" to the United States’ economic future. Vance’s speeches often focus on the need to protect American workers by reversing trade deals that have led to job losses. His stance on trade and global outsourcing has made him a strong advocate for tariffs, border protections, and policies that aim to bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil, especially in the Midwest.

7. Speech at the Republican Convention

Vance’s speech at the Republican National Convention in 2020 resonated with many voters in the Rust Belt. Drawing from his personal experiences growing up in a declining industrial town, he described how places like his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, had been “forgotten by America’s ruling class in Washington.” Vance linked the decline of these towns to trade deals, such as NAFTA, which he claimed benefited countries like Mexico and China while hurting American workers. 

8. Controversial Comments About Democrats

Vance’s remarks in 2021 about Democrats sparked significant backlash. He claimed that the country was run by "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives," a comment that drew sharp criticism, especially from individuals like actress Jennifer Aniston, who had spoken publicly about her struggles with infertility. While Vance later claimed his statement was intended as sarcasm, it nonetheless fuelled controversy and intensified his critics’ portrayal of him as insensitive and out of touch with certain communities.

9. Baseless Claims About Haitian Migrants

In addition to his controversial remarks about Democrats, Vance also made baseless claims regarding Haitian migrants, suggesting they were responsible for eating pets. This comment was widely condemned, with critics accusing him of spreading false and harmful misinformation. Vance faced a public backlash for the statement, which he later attempted to downplay. However, the incident added to his reputation for making provocative and often contentious remarks.

10. The Influence of His Wife

Vance has often credited his wife, Usha Chilukuri, as a major influence on his political career and personal growth. Usha, a lawyer and the daughter of Indian immigrants, has been a steady presence in Vance’s life since they met at Yale Law School. The couple married in 2014 and have three children together. Usha’s career as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and her later work as a litigator at Munger, Tolles & Olson have also played a key role in shaping Vance’s views on law and politics. Vance has described Usha as a "powerful female voice" who often guides him in making crucial decisions.

11. A Young Vice President

At 40 years old, JD Vance became the third-youngest person to hold the office of Vice President of the United States. The youngest to ever assume the role was John Breckinridge, who was just 36 when he was sworn in in 1857. Vance’s relatively young age and his rapid rise through the political ranks have made him an interesting figure in American politics, particularly in a time when the political landscape is heavily influenced by generational shifts. His appointment as vice president reflects a changing of the guard, with younger, more populist leaders rising to prominence.

12. His Early Military Service

Before embarking on his academic and business career, Vance served in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted after graduating from high school and spent four years in the military, including a deployment to Iraq as a press officer with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. His time in the military was a formative experience that influenced his worldview, especially regarding US foreign policy. Vance has often cited his time in Iraq as a turning point in his understanding of American interventionism, leading him to become a vocal critic of military overreach in subsequent years.

13. Educational Background

Vance’s educational journey took him from Middletown High School to Ohio State University, where he studied political science and philosophy. Afterward, he attended Yale Law School, one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. His time at Yale was influential, providing him with the academic foundation to succeed in the worlds of venture capital and, later, politics. It was also at Yale that Vance became more involved in conservative intellectual circles, meeting influential figures like Peter Thiel, whose mentorship and support would shape his future career in both business and politics.

14. Venture Capitalist Career

After graduating from Yale Law School, Vance worked as a venture capitalist at Mithril Capital, a firm founded by Peter Thiel. His time in Silicon Valley allowed him to gain firsthand experience in the world of tech investments, where he learned about the challenges facing startups and the growing influence of Silicon Valley elites. Vance later founded his own venture firm, Narya, in Ohio, continuing his work in the tech and investment sectors. His experience as a venture capitalist has informed his views on economic policy, particularly in regard to issues like outsourcing, the tech industry, and economic inequality.

15. Founding a Non-Profit

In 2016, Vance returned to Ohio and founded Our Ohio Renewal, a non-profit dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged children in the state. The organization focuses on providing resources and opportunities for young people in Ohio to achieve their goals despite the obstacles posed by economic hardship and lack of social mobility. This non-profit was a reflection of Vance’s desire to give back to the community that shaped him, particularly after he had experienced success in the venture capital world and later in political circles.

16. His Political Transformation

JD Vance’s political transformation has been striking. Initially a critic of Donald Trump, he was part of the "Never Trump" movement, describing Trump as "dangerous" and "unfit" for office. However, over time, Vance's views shifted, and he became a vocal supporter of Trump, particularly during his Senate run in 2022. Vance explained that his change of heart came after seeing Trump’s accomplishments in office and the aggressive backlash from liberals. Critics argue that Vance's political shift is more opportunistic than genuine, but his supporters view it as a pragmatic adjustment to align with the Republican base.

17. The Trump Endorsement

In 2022, Vance secured a crucial endorsement from former President Donald Trump for his Ohio Senate campaign. Trump’s backing provided Vance with a significant boost in a crowded Republican primary, and the endorsement cemented Vance’s place as a leading figure within the Trump-supporting wing of the GOP. Trump’s endorsement was instrumental in helping Vance raise millions of dollars from donors, particularly from Peter Thiel, and garnered widespread attention across conservative media. Vance’s alignment with Trump’s policies and populist rhetoric allowed him to tap into the same base that helped Trump win the presidency in 2016.

18. Senate Victory

In November 2022, JD Vance won the Senate seat in Ohio, defeating Democratic challenger Tim Ryan. His victory marked the culmination of his political rise from author to venture capitalist to US senator. Vance’s campaign was heavily supported by conservative donors, including Peter Thiel, and was backed by Trump’s endorsement. His Senate victory is seen as a triumph for the populist, nationalist faction of the Republican Party. Despite facing criticism for his past as a critic of Trump, Vance successfully navigated the political landscape to secure a Senate seat, aligning himself with the GOP’s most influential figures.

19. A Rising Conservative Star

Vance’s rise to the Senate has positioned him as one of the leading voices of the conservative movement in America. He has quickly become a prominent figure in the Republican Party, especially among younger conservatives advocating for populist and nationalist policies. Vance’s political rhetoric, which often emphasizes the economic struggles of the working class, has resonated with voters in the Rust Belt and other conservative areas. His advocacy for issues like protecting American jobs, limiting immigration, and addressing cultural issues has made him a key figure in the GOP’s efforts to shape its future direction.

20. Partnerships With Democrats

Despite his strong conservative stance, Vance has worked across the aisle on certain issues, notably in co-authoring a railway safety reform bill with Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio. The bill was introduced after a disastrous train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which brought attention to the need for better regulation of the railway industry. Vance has also supported bipartisan efforts to boost funding for Great Lakes restoration and extend workers' protections. While he is generally aligned with the Republican Party’s agenda, Vance’s ability to work with Democrats on specific policy issues demonstrates his pragmatic approach to governance.

21. Defending Trump’s Legacy

Since entering the Senate, Vance has been a staunch defender of Donald Trump’s legacy. He has repeatedly praised Trump’s presidency, particularly his economic policies and his stance on immigration. Vance’s unwavering support for Trump has made him a key ally of the former president, especially as Trump’s influence continues to shape the Republican Party. Vance has also been vocal in defending Trump against the numerous legal challenges he faces, including the investigation into the January 6th insurrection and the hush-money payments in the lead-up to the 2020 election.

22. A Critic of US Foreign Policy

Vance has been an outspoken critic of US involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. He has argued that the United States should prioritize domestic issues over foreign interventions, a stance that has put him at odds with traditional foreign policy hawks in his party. Vance’s opposition to US support for Ukraine is part of his broader skepticism about America’s role as a global policeman. His foreign policy views align with Trump’s "America First" agenda, advocating for a more isolationist approach that prioritizes the interests of American workers and citizens.

23. Opposing Liberal Policies

Vance has been a vocal opponent of several progressive policies, particularly in the areas of abortion, transgender rights, and racial justice. He has expressed support for a national 15-week abortion ban, a position that he has modified somewhat during his Senate run but still holds. Vance has also introduced legislation to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and has advocated for a crackdown on affirmative action policies in colleges and universities. His stance on these issues places him firmly in the conservative camp, where he is seen as a champion of traditional values.

24. A Strong Critic of Big Tech

Vance has consistently criticised the influence of Silicon Valley and big tech companies on American society. He has called for increased scrutiny and regulation of tech giants, accusing them of wielding disproportionate power over the political landscape. Vance’s criticisms of big tech align with his broader populist message, which seeks to rein in the power of elites and protect American workers from exploitation by large corporations. He has also spoken out against the role of social media platforms in spreading misinformation and suppressing conservative voices, a common refrain among populist conservatives.

25. A Catholic Convert

In 2019, Vance publicly announced that he had converted to Catholicism, a decision that he said was influenced by his exposure to the writings of French philosopher René Girard, who explored the concept of “mimetic desire.” Vance credited his conversion with helping him better understand the nature of human rivalry and conflict, themes he had encountered throughout his life, both personally and professionally. His conversion has added another layer to his political persona, with some of his supporters seeing it as a reflection of his deepening commitment to traditional values and the culture war.

26. A Controversial Rhetoric

Vance is known for his provocative and often controversial rhetoric, which he uses to challenge progressive ideas and the political establishment. He has described the current moment in American politics as similar to the late Roman Republic, a time of political instability and cultural conflict. Vance’s comments on issues like immigration, trade, and cultural values have often sparked heated debates, with critics accusing him of fueling division and promoting harmful stereotypes. However, his supporters view his rhetoric as a bold challenge to the political correctness that they believe dominates mainstream discourse.

27. Opposition to the PRO Act

Vance has been a vocal opponent of the PRO Act, a comprehensive piece of labor reform legislation that would make it easier for workers to unionize. He argues that the bill would disproportionately benefit unions at the expense of individual workers and small businesses. Vance’s opposition to the PRO Act aligns with his broader stance on labor policy, which emphasizes the importance of free-market principles and the protection of American businesses from what he perceives as the overreach of organized labor. His position on this issue has been a point of contention with progressive and labor groups.

28. Belief in the Culture War

Vance believes that the culture war is a central aspect of American politics, particularly in the battle between conservative and progressive values. He argues that pushing back against the cultural values promoted by liberal elites is crucial for protecting the interests of the working class, especially in the Rust Belt and other conservative areas. Vance’s cultural conservatism is evident in his positions on issues like abortion, transgender rights, and gender roles, which he sees as key battlegrounds in the broader fight to preserve traditional American values.

29. His Views on the 2020 Election

Vance has made controversial statements about the 2020 presidential election, particularly in relation to the certification of the results. He has said that if he had been vice president, he would not have certified the election results and would have supported efforts to challenge the outcome in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Georgia. Vance’s position on the election reflects his alignment with Trump’s false claims of election fraud, despite multiple investigations and court rulings finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could have altered the outcome.

30. His Future in Politics

Vance’s political career is only just beginning, but many see him as a rising star within the Republican Party. His rapid ascension from author to venture capitalist to US senator has positioned him as one of the most prominent figures in the populist wing of the party. Some speculate that Vance could one day run for president, given his ability to connect with working-class voters and his strong alignment with Trump’s "America First" agenda. Regardless of his future ambitions, Vance’s influence in shaping the direction of American conservatism is already undeniable.