Republican Donald Trump has chosen Ohio senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate, in a move that has raised fears the U.S. may cut aid to Ukraine if the ex-president wins the November election.
Vance was pivotal in the attempt to block a Ukraine aid bill in the Senate earlier this year, although the effort was unsuccessful and the bill eventually passed in April.
But a senior EU official, speaking anonymously, described Vance's appointment as a “disaster” for Ukraine and, by extension, for the European Union, which has supported Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression.
But a senior EU official, speaking anonymously, described Vance's appointment as a “disaster” for Ukraine and, by extension, for the European Union, which has supported Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression.
Vance's anti-corporate stance and opposition to sending aid to Ukraine have also concerned some donors, with metals businessman Andy Sabin, who gave Trump $120,000 in 2020, now saying he won't give the former president a thing.
Vance has caused concern over his unconditional support for Israel, leading to political commentators suggesting that he would like to see aid for Ukraine redirected to Israel. He has also expressed a desire to put resources in Asia in response to aggression from China.
The announcement of Vance as VP marks a notable turnaround for Vance, who once harshly criticized Trump but has since become a dedicated supporter.
“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,” Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform.
Vance's selection could potentially boost Trump's turnout in the November 5 election, particularly in critical “Rust Belt” states. The Ohio native enjoys strong support among Trump’s base, and his populist message resonates with working-class white populations in de-industrialized areas.
Advisors indicated that Trump, who survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, prioritized selecting a running mate he trusted and got along with. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson were among those advocating for Vance.
In choosing Vance, Trump passed over other contenders like Senators Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, as well as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. At 39, Vance brings a younger presence to a ticket featuring Trump, 78, and Biden, 81.
Growing up in poverty in southern Ohio, he served in the Marine Corps and attended Yale Law School on a scholarship.
Vance’s political rise has been rapid, predominantly thanks to billionaire digital defense contractor and Republican mega-donor Peter Thiel.
In 2017, Thiel hired Vance to work at his firm, Mithril Capital, and later invested heavily in Vance's fund, Narya Capital. Thiel also contributed over $15 million to Vance's Senate campaign and personally accompanied him to Mar-a-Lago to mend his previous “Never Trump” stance.
Vance gained prominence with his 2016 memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ which examined the socioeconomic struggles of his hometown and Trump's appeal among poor white Americans.
Vance has caused concern over his unconditional support for Israel, leading to political commentators suggesting that he would like to see aid for Ukraine redirected to Israel. He has also expressed a desire to put resources in Asia in response to aggression from China.
Background
The announcement of Vance as VP marks a notable turnaround for Vance, who once harshly criticized Trump but has since become a dedicated supporter.
“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,” Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform.
Vance's selection could potentially boost Trump's turnout in the November 5 election, particularly in critical “Rust Belt” states. The Ohio native enjoys strong support among Trump’s base, and his populist message resonates with working-class white populations in de-industrialized areas.
Advisors indicated that Trump, who survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, prioritized selecting a running mate he trusted and got along with. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson were among those advocating for Vance.
In choosing Vance, Trump passed over other contenders like Senators Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, as well as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. At 39, Vance brings a younger presence to a ticket featuring Trump, 78, and Biden, 81.
Growing up in poverty in southern Ohio, he served in the Marine Corps and attended Yale Law School on a scholarship.
Vance’s political rise has been rapid, predominantly thanks to billionaire digital defense contractor and Republican mega-donor Peter Thiel.
In 2017, Thiel hired Vance to work at his firm, Mithril Capital, and later invested heavily in Vance's fund, Narya Capital. Thiel also contributed over $15 million to Vance's Senate campaign and personally accompanied him to Mar-a-Lago to mend his previous “Never Trump” stance.
Vance gained prominence with his 2016 memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ which examined the socioeconomic struggles of his hometown and Trump's appeal among poor white Americans.
Source: Reuters, San Francisco Standard, The Hill, Politico
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