Since Donald Trump’s recent victory in the election, he has been seen celebrating alongside key allies and high-profile figures. However, one name notably absent from these events is Vice President-elect JD Vance. The Ohio senator, chosen as Trump’s running mate during the Republican National Convention in July, has mysteriously faded from the spotlight, leaving many to wonder why.
A Controversial Vice-Presidential Pick
Vance’s selection was initially met with enthusiasm from prominent figures like Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk, in particular, praised the ticket, describing it as one that “resounds with victory.” Despite the initial support, Vance’s path to the vice presidency has been anything but smooth.
Over the course of his campaign, Vance attracted significant backlash for making controversial remarks about several groups. These included inflammatory comments about “childless cat ladies” and calling Vice President Kamala Harris a “demon.” He also faced criticism for remarks about Haitian immigrants allegedly eating domestic pets in rural Ohio and his past involvement in drag performances. Furthermore, Vance’s policy positions on certain key issues did not always align with Trump’s, leading to questions about their true political compatibility.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Vance’s debate performance against Democratic nominee Tim Walz was widely praised. Many pundits and critics described it as one of the best debate performances by a Republican in recent memory, boosting his favorability. Vance also publicly expressed his strong belief in the legitimacy of Trump’s campaign, further solidifying his place within the Republican ticket.
Trump’s Victory Speech and Vance’s Role
When Trump took to the stage at his victory rally at Mar-a-Lago, he made a point to praise his vice-presidential pick. “He turned out to be a good choice. I took a little heat at the beginning, but I knew the brain was a good one—as good as it gets,” Trump said, offering a rare endorsement for Vance amidst the chaos of the campaign.
A Mysterious Absence
Despite the public endorsement, Vance has seemingly vanished from the public eye since the election. While Trump has been busy mingling with influential figures like Musk, Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and others at various events, Vance has been noticeably absent. Even at a recent UFC event in New York, Trump was seen enjoying the company of numerous key allies, yet Vance was nowhere to be found.
This absence has led many to question whether Vance is being excluded from Trump’s inner circle, or if he is deliberately keeping a low profile. A viral image of Trump enjoying a Big Mac and Coke during this time only fueled the growing curiosity around Vance’s whereabouts. Many online have taken to asking, “Where is JD Vance?”
The Future of JD Vance in Trump’s Administration
Vance’s absence from public life mirrors some of the challenges Vice President Kamala Harris has faced during the Biden administration, where her favorability has lagged behind more prominent figures. For Vance, it raises questions about whether he will follow a similar path, eventually becoming a less visible figure in the coming years.
Vance’s last public appearance was just days ago at Mar-a-Lago, where he was spotted spending time alone with his wife, Usha, and their three children. There were no signs of his inclusion in Trump’s inner circle during this moment. Since then, Vance has remained out of the public eye, leaving many to wonder about his future role in the upcoming administration.
