On Monday, July 15th the former 45th president Donald Trump announced J.D. Vance as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Vance was once a strong critic of Donald Trump and had even previously compared the reality star and businessman from New York City to Adolf Hitler, but has since warmed up to the president in recent years and has become a staunchly loyal supporter. Vance has been scrutinized by the media and by critics for his “America First” positions on foreign and economic policy in particular. Vance has been deemed an “isolationist” in terms of foreign policy positioning, and many mainstream media outlets have claimed that should Trump and Vance win in November, America may end its support for Ukraine in the conflict against Russia. Both Vance and Trump have voiced opinions that are in opposition to the conflict there.
Vance has claimed that his biggest critique of the United States supporting the war in Ukraine is that there has been little accountability in terms of where the money is being spent that is sent. He has also claimed that there is no indicator that there is even a pathway to victory for Ukraine in the conflict or that the war is remotely close to ending. Vance has largely stated opposition to U.S. foreign aid or assistance for any country but has made an exception when it comes to the Israel-Hamas conflict and has declared support for Israel. Vance has said America should empower Israel to “finish the job”.
The former governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie appeared on ABC to discuss the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the decision to pick Vance as the Vice Presidential nominee. Christie stated that Vance was certainly not a pick that would appeal to moderates or independents and that the decision was a play to solidify the existing conservative voting base. Christie expressed sympathy for Trump after the harrowing near assassination.