Donald Trump has picked JD Vance, a senator from Ohio, as his running mate for the presidential election.
Vance, a one-time Trump critic turned loyal ally, is now the first millennial to join a major party ticket at a time of deep concern about the advanced age of America’s political leaders.
“I’m a ‘never Trump’ guy. I never liked him,” the 39-year-old had once said in an interview in 2016.
“My God what an idiot.
“I find him reprehensible.”
However, a few years later, Vance became one of Trump’s staunch allies, aligning himself with the former president’s views on trade, immigration, and foreign policy, particularly the US’ sustained backing for Ukraine.
Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network:
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio.”
Vance had accused President Joe Biden of playing a role in the attempted Trump assassination of Saturday.
Vance posted on X hours after the shooting:
“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs.”
“That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Biden called Vance a “clone of Trump” in response to his nomination. Other Democrats have depicted him in the same way.
The former president has said that he will not speak at the RNC on how the United States has degenerated under Biden.
Trump said he now wants to talk about bridging the country’s political division.
