Donald Trump names his VP: Who is J.D. Vance the former president’s running mate in 2024

Republican candidate Donald Trump has named his running mate ahead of the United States general election, which is set to take place in November.

James David Vance has been named as Trump’s Vice President, following on from Mike Pence, who was Trump’s choice during his term as the country’s leader between 2017 and 2021.

The 39-year-old rose to prominence with the publication of his memoir entitled ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ and has served as a senator since 2023.

What did J.D. Vance say about Donald Trump?

Vance grew up in Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio, and served in the Marine Corps. He is married to Usha Vance, a litigator for a law firm, whom he met while studying at Yale.

As for his relationship with Trump, it has certainly had its moments. Vance has previously criticised the former President, calling him “America’s Hitler” and saying that he was noxious, as well as calling Trump voters “idiots” and saying he was a “never Trump guy”.

However, Vance changed his tune in 2022, and began to praise the work Trump did as Vance got ready for his senate race.

USA Today says that Vance “supports tariffs on trade and opposes U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly the war between Russia and Ukraine”, as well as introducing “legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors and a bill to eliminate diversity programs in the federal government.”

In the hours leading up to the announcement, The Associated Press drip fed the names of candidates who were not selected for Vice President, with Florida Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum both being told early on that they would not be selected.

Meanwhile, as the names were leaked, Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump, announced on X that he was set to cast his vote at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time declaring his father the Republican nominee for President.

Away from the VP race, Trump has been in the headlines recently as he was targeted in an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The shooter fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop that narrowly missed the 45th President. Secret Service agents quickly covered the scene and the assailant was taken out by snipers just seconds later.

Questions have surrounded the shooting, as well as how the terrifying incident will affect the ongoing presidential race which has just taken another dramatic turn.