In recently disclosed communications, J.D. Vance said in private that Donald Trump “thoroughly failed to deliver.”
It has come to light that J.D. Vance expressed criticism of Donald Trump as recently as 2020. According to a report by The Washington Post, the Republican vice presidential nominee publicly addressed Trump’s shortcomings, stating that he had “just so thoroughly failed to deliver on his economic populism (excepting a disjointed China policy).” This remark was part of several direct messages shared on Twitter (now known as X) in February 2020.
Vance’s comments highlight a significant divergence from the support typically expected from a member of the Republican Party towards a sitting president. His assessment underscores a perceived inadequacy in Trump’s economic policies, suggesting that the administration’s efforts did not align with the populist agenda that many of Trump’s supporters had anticipated.
Vance has articulated his transition from a staunch “Never Trump” conservative in 2016, during the promotion of his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” to a supporter of Trump in 2020, attributing this shift to the impact of Trump’s presidency. However, this narrative appears to be misleading upon closer examination.
In a communication from June 2020, just a few months prior to the election, Vance expressed skepticism about Trump’s chances, stating, “I think Trump will probably lose.” Following Trump’s defeat, Vance asserted that the election had been compromised by the Democrats, indicating a significant change in his stance.
The messages revealing this information were provided to the Post by the recipient, who chose to remain anonymous due to concerns about potential backlash. These communications were sent years after Vance had publicly criticized Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, labeling him as “reprehensible” and comparing him to “America’s Hitler.”
A representative for Senator Vance clarified to the Post that the Ohio senator was not targeting Trump directly, but rather criticizing “establishment Republicans who obstructed much of Trump’s populist economic initiatives aimed at increasing tariffs and enhancing domestic manufacturing within Congress.”
William Martin remarked that Senator Vance is optimistic about the current alignment of Republicans in Congress with President Trump’s agenda, suggesting that the party is less likely to encounter the same obstacles as before. This sentiment reflects a belief in a more unified Republican front in support of Trump’s policies.
However, this assertion overlooks the fact that Vance had previously predicted Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, a prediction he later retracted. The Post highlights that Vance has not been explicit about the timeline of his support for Trump, raising questions about whether his stance represents a genuine change of heart or a strategic political maneuver.
In a subsequent direct communication, Vance appeared to express a willingness to consider government-administered universal health care, remarking that Medicare for All could be beneficial, albeit with the caveat that specifics are crucial. However, Martin informed the Post that Vance has since shifted his stance, now asserting that the Democrats’ comprehensive Medicare for All initiative would ultimately deteriorate healthcare for Americans. This position aligns with the regressive healthcare proposals put forth by both Vance and Trump.
Regardless of the circumstances, Vance staunchly supports Trump and articulates his own justifications for the former president’s policy suggestions, despite their questionable nature. The insights provided by the Post indicate that Vance may be tailoring his statements to appease the MAGA base, suggesting a strategic approach rather than a principled stance on healthcare reform.
Please Note: Twitter nor Threads would allow the leaked document to open on their respective platforms.
