JD Vance was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States on Monday, shortly before Donald Trump took his oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. Vance, 39, was elected alongside Trump in November of the previous year, marking the continuation of the populist movement that has dominated American politics in recent years.
A one-term senator from Ohio, Vance is seen as a key figure in the rising tide of populism under Trump’s influence. Known for his embrace of the “America First” movement, Vance aligns with Trump’s isolationist and anti-immigration stance. However, Vance is seen as further to the right than Trump on several issues, particularly abortion, where he has called for federal legislation to restrict the procedure.
Vance first gained national attention with his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, a bestselling account of his working-class upbringing in Appalachia. The book resonated with many rural, working-class Americans, giving voice to the frustrations of those who felt left behind by mainstream politics.
Despite his rise, Vance’s political journey has not been without controversy. In his earlier years, he was vocal in his criticism of Trump, even calling the billionaire “an idiot,” “noxious,” and “reprehensible,” and at one point, likening him to “America’s Hitler.” However, Vance has since reinvented himself as a staunch Trump supporter and earned the former president’s endorsement during his 2022 Senate race in Ohio.
Vance’s swearing-in marks a significant moment in American politics, as he represents the growing influence of a new, populist faction that is reshaping the Republican Party. His vice presidency is seen as a pivotal point for the continuation of Trump’s agenda, but also one that could signal further shifts in American political dynamics.
