In a move that surprised many, former President Donald Trump announced Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate in the upcoming presidential election. The announcement was made on the first day of the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee.
Vance, 39, has been a strong supporter of Trump’s policies and has embraced the “America First” movement. Despite being a one-term senator, Vance has taken positions that are further to the right than Trump’s on issues like abortion, advocating for federal legislation.
Vance gained national attention with his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which chronicled his upbringing in Appalachia and gave voice to the concerns of rural, working-class Americans.
While Vance was once a vocal critic of Trump, he has since become a loyal supporter, earning Trump’s endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race.
The announcement came after a tumultuous weekend that saw an attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Pennsylvania. Despite the drama, Trump’s pick of Vance signals a continued shift towards populist and isolationist policies in the Republican Party.
