By Mike Wendling, BBC News, Chicago
An argument in the White House has strained the US alliance with Ukraine, unsettled European leaders, and showcased JD Vance’s significant role in articulating Donald Trump’s foreign policy. The vice-president has made a strong impression on the global stage – so what motivates his worldview?
Vance surprised many with his first major foreign speech at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February.
Rather than addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the US vice-president briefly touched on the bloodiest European conflict since World War Two.
Instead, he used his international debut to criticize close US allies on issues like immigration and free speech, suggesting that the European establishment was undemocratic. He accused them of ignoring the will of their people and questioned the shared values they were supposedly defending alongside the US.
„It was a bold and perhaps unexpected way to introduce himself to the world – by upsetting European allies. But shortly after, he found himself embroiled in a heated dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of being ungrateful.
For those familiar with Vance’s rise, these incidents were not surprising.
The vice-president has become a voice for the intellectual wing of the conservative movement that embodies Trumpism and how its „America First“ ideology extends beyond domestic borders. In his writings and interviews, Vance has expressed an ideology that connects American workers, global elites, and the role of the US in the wider world.
On the campaign trail with Donald Trump last year, Vance spent much of his time criticizing Democrats and clashing with reporters – typical duties for running mates. While Elon Musk initially overshadowed him in the Trump administration, Vance’s Munich speech and Oval Office confrontation have raised his profile.
This has led to questions about Vance’s evolving ideological journey within the conservative movement and his current beliefs.
„He’s more of a pragmatist than an ideologue,“ said James Orr, associate professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Cambridge and a friend of Vance. „He’s able to articulate what is and is not in the American interest. And the American interest is not some abstract utopia but the American people.“
Vance frequently emphasizes „America First“ or „Americans First“ in his speeches, contrasting Washington’s economic and foreign policy abroad with the struggles of the American working class at home.
In Vance’s view, the Trump administration should prioritize improving the lives of long-standing American citizens who have not benefited from the nation’s wealth.
Rod Dreher, a conservative American writer and friend of Vance, described Vance’s thinking as a response to the failures of moderate Republicans to address issues like the „forever wars“ and economic struggles of ordinary Americans.
„He got red-pilled, so to speak, by Donald Trump,“ Dreher explained, referencing internet slang that signifies waking up to a hidden truth. Vance appears to be deeply connected to internet culture, more so than his boss. Mike Wendling is an avid user of X, often engaging in arguments rather than using it as a platform for announcements like many politicians. His appearances on fringe right-wing podcasts while seeking support for a Senate run, along with provocative comments, have provided ammunition for his opponents. Despite being married to the daughter of Indian immigrants, he has distanced himself from the alt-right, although he shares some of their views. He has connections in both top Silicon Valley circles and lesser-known areas.
After graduating from Yale Law School, influential Silicon Valley conservative Peter Thiel introduced him to the world of venture capital and later funded his US Senate campaign. He has been influenced by figures like blogger Curtis Yarvin, a key figure in the „neo-reactionary“ movement. His spreading of false rumors and controversial statements show his familiarity with the internet’s fringes.
Vance’s „Americans First“ ideology is evident in his views on issues like the war in Ukraine, where he has criticized the Biden administration’s priorities. He has expressed a desire for the conflict to end in a way that benefits US security and encourages European allies to take more responsibility.
Vance’s public clash with President Zelensky in the Oval Office garnered global attention, with European leaders rushing to defend Zelensky. Vance’s disregard for security guarantees from certain countries reflects his blunt world view. Despite his shift in tone since his time in the Senate, some find his current views surprising.
Critics like David Frum note a significant change in Vance’s views over the years, with some accusing him of having an ideological admiration for Russia. Vance’s focus on issues like free speech and the threat of China, rather than Ukraine, demonstrates his prioritization of what he sees as more pressing concerns for the US and its allies. Mike Wendling für die nächsten 20 oder 30 Jahre. Vance’s Ansichten über die Ukraine und seine Bereitschaft, sie öffentlich zu äußern, sorgten für einen dramatischen Moment in den frühen Tagen von Trumps zweiter Amtszeit. Aber es bot auch eine lebendige Darstellung der Ideologie des Vizepräsidenten, seiner Prominenz in der Trump-Regierung und wie er Amerikas Platz in der Welt sieht. Mit Berichten von Rachel Looker und Anthony Zurcher in Washington und Lily Jamali in San Francisco.