From comparing Trump to Hitler to becoming his running mate: Who is JD Vance?

Once a harsh critic, Trump's vice-presidential running mate has become one of his most loyal supporters in Congress.

Vance was announced by Trump as his running mate at the start of the Republican National Convention. Source: EPA / Shawn Thew

Donald Trump has selected United States senator JD Vance of Ohio to serve as his vice-presidential running mate as he looks to return to the White House.

Combative and ultra-loyal, Vance has been one of Trump's most effective attack dogs in Congress, opposing immigration, insisting on Christianity as a touchstone of public and private morality, and opposing support for Ukraine's fight against Russian invasion.

But only eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Vance self-described as "a Never Trump guy".

Vance previously called the billionaire an "idiot", "noxious" and "reprehensible," while expressing worry that he might be "America's Hitler".

He also called him "dangerous" and "unfit" for office, while his wife, lawyer Usha Chilukuri Vance, who is Indian American, also criticised Trump's racist rhetoric.

However, by the time Vance met Trump in 2021, he had reversed his opinion, citing Trump's accomplishments as president.

Both men have developed a strong rapport and have downplayed Vance's past scathing criticism. In the 2022 Senate race, Vance ultimately won the ex-president's key endorsement.

And now, Trump has chosen him as his vice-presidential nominee.

What is Vance's background?

Vance was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. He joined the Marines and served in Iraq, and later earned degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School.

He also worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, joining Peter Thiel's Mithril Capital in 2017.

He made his name with the 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, a best-selling account of his Appalachian family and modest upbringing. Hillbilly Elegy also introduced Vance to the Trump family, with Donald Trump Jr becoming a friend.

After publishing his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, Vance earned a reputation as someone who could help explain Trump's appeal in middle America. Source: AP / Jeffrey Dean

After Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Vance returned to his native Ohio and set up an anti-opioid charity. He also took to the lecture circuit and was a favoured guest at Republican Lincoln Day dinners where his personal story resonated.

Vance's appearances helped lay the groundwork for entering politics in 2021, when he sought the Senate seat vacated by Republican Rob Portman, who retired.

Endorsed by Trump, in 2022 Vance went on to win a crowded Republican primary and the general election.

Once elected, Vance became a fierce Trump ally on Capitol Hill, unceasingly defending Trump's policies and behaviour.

JD Vance is aligned with Donald Trump's position on issues like immigration reform, economic protectionism and cultural conservatism. Source: AP / Michael Conroy

Perfectly aligned with Trump's America First movement on issues like economic protectionism and cultural conservatism, Vance has adopted the ex-president's confrontational style.

In Congress, he has become one of Trump's most ardent advocates, particularly over his numerous struggles in criminal and civil court.

But he appears further to the right on many issues including abortion, where he embraces calls for federal legislation and has argued against the need for rape and incest exceptions to bans.

How could Vance influence the election results?

The selection of Vance could increase the odds of Trump supporters turning out for the 5 November election as the Ohio native is deeply popular with the Republican candidate's base.

Kevin Roberts, president of the conservative Heritage Foundation, called Vance a leading voice for the conservative movement on key issues including a shift away from interventionist foreign policy, free market economics and "American culture writ large".

Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative activist group Turning Point USA, said Vance compellingly articulates the America First world view and could help Trump in states he closely lost in 2020, such as Michigan and Wisconsin, that share Ohio's values, demographics and economy.

Democrats call him an extremist, citing provocative positions Vance has taken but sometimes later amended. Vance signalled support for a national 15-week abortion ban during his Senate run, for instance, then softened that stance once Ohio voters overwhelmingly backed a 2023 abortion rights amendment.

What is Joe Biden's position on Vance?

Biden described Trump's vice-presidential pick as a "clone", as he prepares to resume full-throttle campaigning after Trump's assassination attempt.

"He's a clone of Trump on the issues," Biden told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base shortly before departing for Nevada for a series of speeches and campaign events. "I don't see any difference."

His campaign team issued a blistering statement on Trump's selection of Vance, saying he picked the freshman senator because he would "bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda".

"Over the next three and a half months, we will spend every single day making the case between the two starkly contrasting visions Americans will choose between at the ballot box this November," said Biden campaign chairwoman Jen O'Malley Dillon.

"The Biden-Harris ticket who's focused on uniting the country, creating opportunity for everyone, and lowering costs; or Trump-Vance – whose harmful agenda will take away Americans' rights, hurt the middle class, and make life more expensive – all while benefiting the ultra-rich and greedy corporations."