“An argument in the White House has caused a rift in the US alliance with Ukraine, unsettled European leaders, and showcased JD Vance’s influential role in articulating Donald Trump’s foreign policy. The vice-president has made a strong impression on the global stage – prompting curiosity about the driving force behind his worldview.
Vance’s unexpected debut on the international platform was at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February. Rather than addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the US vice-president briefly touched upon the deadliest European conflict since World War Two.
Instead, he delivered a speech that criticized close US allies on issues such as immigration and free speech, suggesting that the European establishment was undemocratic. He accused them of disregarding the desires of their people and questioned the shared values they claimed to defend alongside the US.
“It was a bold and perhaps surprising way to introduce himself to the world – by upsetting European allies. However, shortly after, he found himself at the center of a heated dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of being ungrateful.
For those familiar with Vance’s rise, these events were not entirely unexpected. The vice-president represents an intellectual faction of the conservative movement that embodies Trumpism and explores how its ‘America First’ ideology extends beyond national borders. In his writings and interviews, Vance has articulated an ideology that connects American workers, global elites, and the role of the US in the broader world.
Despite initially being overshadowed by Elon Musk’s unconventional role in the Trump administration, Vance’s Munich speech and Oval Office confrontation have elevated his profile as Trump’s deputy.
This has sparked discussions about the ideological evolution he has undergone during his time in the conservative movement – and his current beliefs.
“He’s more of a pragmatist than an ideologue,” said James Orr, a friend of Vance’s and associate professor at the University of Cambridge. “He can articulate what serves the American interest, which is not some abstract utopia but the American people.”
Vance consistently emphasizes an “America First” theme in his speeches, drawing a distinction between Washington’s foreign policy and the struggles of the American working class.
While he has shifted blame from individuals to elites in recent years, Vance remains steadfast in his belief that the Trump administration’s priority should be to improve the lives of long-standing American citizens who have not benefited from the nation’s wealth.
In summary, Vance’s journey from a ‘Never Trumper’ to a prominent figure in the Trump administration reflects a shift in his views and priorities, driven by a desire to address the needs of ordinary Americans and challenge conventional political norms.” BBC describes him as an avid user of X, often diving into debates rather than using it as a platform for announcements like many politicians do. His appearances on fringe right-wing podcasts, while attempting to gather support for a Senate run, provided ammunition for his opponents. He has made controversial comments, such as suggesting the US is being controlled by “childless cat ladies.”
Despite being married to the daughter of Indian immigrants, he has distanced himself from the alt-right, although he shares some of their views. He has connections in both top Silicon Valley circles and lesser-known corners. After graduating from Yale Law School, he entered the world of venture capital with the help of influential Silicon Valley conservative Peter Thiel, who later funded his Senate campaign.
He has been influenced by figures like blogger Curtis Yarvin, a key figure in the “neo-reactionary” movement envisioning technologically-driven, hyper-capitalist societies ruled by powerful monarchs. His knowledge of the internet’s fringes was evident when he spread false rumors about immigrants eating pets and Ukrainian corruption – originating from Moscow, as investigated by the BBC.
Critics describe him as immersed in the online world, with a troubling undertone of nativism in his rhetoric. Despite this, his “America First” ideology extends to issues like the war in Ukraine, where he advocates for a resolution that prioritizes US security and European responsibility. He has been vocal about the Biden administration’s focus on Ukraine over illegal immigration.
His confrontational style was highlighted during a heated exchange with President Zelensky in the Oval Office, where he criticized Ukraine’s leader for being ungrateful for US aid. This led to backlash from European leaders and sparked debates over peace negotiations. Vance’s skepticism towards security guarantees from European allies reflects his worldview, which prioritizes honesty over moralistic judgments in foreign policy.
While his tone has shifted over the years, some observers note a disconnect in his views. Critics like David Frum point to Vance’s evolving stance on issues like Russia, suggesting ideological admiration for the country. Despite this, Vance and his allies deny any sympathy towards Putin, emphasizing the need for contesting him rather than agreeing with him. “Pero el hecho de que sea un tipo malo no significa que no podamos participar en diplomacia básica y priorizar los intereses de América. Un final rápido del conflicto en Ucrania es, en la mente de Vance, no solo sobre detener miles de millones de dólares siendo gastados a miles de kilómetros de distancia. Él mismo ha dicho que hay temas más importantes para que los Estados Unidos y sus amigos se centren en que Ucrania, a saber, la amenaza de China, a la que ha llamado “nuestro competidor más significativo… para los próximos 20 o 30 años”. Las opiniones de Vance sobre Ucrania y su disposición a expresarlas públicamente proporcionaron un momento dramático en los primeros días del segundo mandato presidencial de Trump. Pero también ofreció una ilustración vívida de la ideología del vicepresidente, su prominencia en la administración de Trump y cómo ve el lugar de América en el mundo. Con informes de Rachel Looker y Anthony Zurcher en Washington y Lily Jamali en San Francisco.”