J.D. Vance: From “Hillbilly Elegy” to Trump’s Vice Presidential Pick
An Unexpected Journey
When Donald Trump named J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential pick, it marked a dramatic transformation from a former Marine and bestselling author critical of Trump to a staunch MAGA supporter. This shift was influenced significantly by his wife, Usha Chilukuri, and her legal background.
Meeting Usha
Vance met Usha Chilukuri, the daughter of Indian immigrants, at Yale Law School in 2013. While Vance ventured into venture capital and authored “Hillbilly Elegy,” Usha pursued federal clerkships. Her career took her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C., where she clerked for Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh.
Kavanaugh’s Influence
Friends say Kavanaugh’s contentious Supreme Court confirmation in 2018, marred by multiple sexual assault allegations, pushed Vance into politics. Vance defended Kavanaugh, a family friend, against what he saw as an unjust character assassination, which motivated his political ambitions.
A Political Transformation
Before this, Vance was poised for a successful career as a writer and venture capitalist. His book painted a vivid picture of a tough upbringing in forgotten America, explaining the appeal of Trump while initially criticizing him. However, the backlash against Kavanaugh and the negative media reception of the “Hillbilly Elegy” movie catalyzed his shift towards Trump.
A Rising Political Star
In 2020, Vance’s military experience and skepticism of foreign interventions set him apart during the Republican Senate primary in Ohio. Despite past anti-Trump comments, he gained the support of Donald Trump Jr. and eventually Trump himself, propelling him to the Senate.
The MAGA Favorite
Vance became a favorite of the MAGA base, frequently appearing on TV to support Trump. At a Turning Point Action event in Detroit, grassroots supporters overwhelmingly chose Vance as their preferred vice-presidential candidate, far ahead of other contenders.
A Historic Role
If elected, Vance would be the first Marine veteran and the first person with a beard to serve as vice president. His rapid political ascent, from author to potential vice president, underscores his transformation and alignment with Trump’s vision.