40-year-old Senator JD Vance will become the first representative of the millennial generation to take office as Vice President of the United States, replacing Mike Pence and continuing the political legacy of Donald Trump.
As noted by NV, JD Vance, born in Middletown, Ohio, to a family of Scottish-Irish descent, grew up in difficult circumstances, witnessing poverty and issues faced by socially vulnerable populations. He addresses these themes in his book Hillbilly Elegy, which gained him popularity among "blue-collar" supporters, especially those who became part of Trump's electorate.
His political journey began with military service in the Marine Corps, followed by education at prestigious universities and work in venture capital. Among his influential friends and mentors is Peter Thiel—one of the first investors in Facebook and the founder of PayPal—who provided Vance with financial backing to establish Narya Capital.
As a politician, Vance has repeatedly expressed doubt about the wisdom of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, citing the limited resources of the United States. He has opposed providing new aid packages to Ukraine, arguing that America cannot endlessly "write checks." In February 2024, at the Munich Security Conference, he even ignored a meeting with Zelensky and Kuleba, stating that he did not expect anything "new" from them.
Another aspect of his policy—a strict isolationism and a focus on protecting domestic producers—will be part of a team aiming to reduce U.S. spending on supporting its allies.