J.D. Vance’s Past Criticisms of Trump Uncovered

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who was recently announced as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, has a history of being one of Trump’s staunch critics. During the 2016 election cycle, Vance did not support Trump and, at one point, compared him to Hitler. Vance’s critical stance was evident in multiple public statements and writings.

In an October 2016 interview with Charlie Rose, Vance openly declared himself a “never Trump guy” and admitted he never liked Trump. Just months earlier, he told NPR he “can’t stomach Trump,” showcasing his deep-seated aversion. Vance’s criticism extended to his written work as well; in an article for The Atlantic in 2016, he argued that while Trump might appeal to many, he was not capable of addressing America’s escalating social and cultural crises.

Vance also wrote a piece for The New York Times in 2016 titled “Why Trump’s Antiwar Message Resonates with White America,” where he unequivocally stated, “Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation’s highest office.” His skepticism towards Trump was further highlighted in a 2016 appearance on “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” where he suggested he believed a woman who accused Trump of sexual assault. Vance questioned Trump’s credibility by sarcastically asking if one would trust Trump, known for his dubious truthfulness, or the woman on the tape.

Vance’s most extreme criticism of Trump emerged in private conversations. He texted a former roommate expressing his fluctuating views, oscillating between thinking Trump was a “cynical asshole” like Nixon, who might not be so bad, or that he could be “America’s Hitler.” This private disdain was mirrored in a now-deleted tweet from March 2017, where Vance hoped that people would remember it was those who empathized with Trump’s voters who fought against him most aggressively.

Before launching his 2022 senatorial campaign, during which he received Trump’s endorsement, Vance ceased his public criticism of Trump. In 2021, he expressed regret for his previous statements and asked people not to judge him based on his 2016 comments. He acknowledged having said critical things and admitted he was wrong about Trump, emphasizing his change of heart.

On Truth Social, Trump announced Vance as his running mate, praising his successful career in technology and finance and his dedication to American workers and farmers. Trump highlighted Vance’s achievements and commitment to the people in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota.

Interestingly, in 2016, Vance voted for independent candidate Evan McMullin, according to Politico. By the 2020 election, however, Vance had changed his stance and voted for Trump.

Vance, a 39-year-old Iraq War veteran, Yale-educated lawyer, and former venture capitalist, was among three front-runners for Trump’s running mate. He was elected to the Senate two years ago after receiving Trump’s endorsement, who praised Vance for being strong on border issues, tough on crime, and knowledgeable about using taxes and tariffs to hold China accountable. Trump valued Vance’s commitment to breaking up Big Tech and his stance on the “Rigged and Stolen Presidential Election.” Privately, Trump expressed a preference for a running mate with experience and a measured demeanor, which he saw in Vance.