### JD Vance Poised for Key Role in Trump’s Second Term

**PALM BEACH, Fla.** - Donald Trump, the President-elect, has refrained from discussing the specifics of his upcoming administration, viewing such conversations as ill-fated before securing his election victory. However, his Vice President-elect, JD Vance, seems to have already secured two major roles.

"He is a feisty guy, isn't he?" Trump lauded his 40-year-old running mate during his triumphant speech on Wednesday. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Vance embraced his role as Trump’s combative supporter, aggressively campaigning in battleground states, maintaining a strong presence on social media, and referring to Vice President Kamala Harris disparagingly as a "trash."

The freshman senator from Ohio became a central media figure, conducting more interviews than anyone else on the Trump-Vance ticket—152 in total, according to his campaign. He adeptly transformed press conferences into spectacles at his rallies, a strategy that earned Trump's admiration. Referring to the media as "the enemy camp," Trump praised Vance on Wednesday as someone who not only handles but thrives on these confrontations.

During the celebratory speech, Vance accepted the mantle of advocate-in-chief, a notable shift from his earlier critical stance on Trump, whom he once described in highly negative terms. "After the greatest political comeback in American history, we're going to lead the greatest economic comeback in American history under Donald Trump's leadership," Vance declared.

Nonetheless, the dynamic between Trump and his vice presidents can be unpredictable, as evidenced by his relationship with former Vice President Mike Pence. Pence, despite his loyalty during Trump's first term, fell out of favor after refusing to assist in overturning the 2020 election results—a move that subjected him to threats from insurrectionists on January 6, 2021.

Although Trump acknowledged some initial frustrations with Vance, he eventually recognized Vance's valuable contributions to the campaign, notably his debate performance against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. "He's turned out to be a good choice," Trump remarked.

Vance has been relatively reticent about his vice-presidential aspirations, indicating an interest in shaping border policy and addressing substance abuse issues—areas of personal significance due to his mother's struggles. Both he and Trump avoided detailed discussions about his future role prior to the election, citing superstition.

Yet, Vance has expressed a desire to be an active participant in the administration. "I know the president wants me to be involved in everything, and I certainly hope to be," he told USA TODAY in September, emphasizing his role in supporting Trump’s leadership.

With Trump limited to a second and final term, Vance's victory may position him as a leading contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. On the campaign trail, Trump sometimes alluded to the potential of another politician leading his movement and mentioned "JD" as a possible successor.

Vice-presidential scholar Joel Goldstein surmised that Trump would likely rely on Vance mainly as an amplifier and defender, while political science professor Christopher Devine suggested that Vance could wield more influence than Pence. Devine noted Vance's strong alignment with Trump’s rhetoric and his ability to navigate the inner circles of the MAGA movement, particularly through his friendship with Donald Trump Jr.

For example, Vance spotlighted concerns about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, and amplified claims about immigrants harming local pets, which Trump later seized upon in his debate with Harris. "JD Vance long ago figured out the way to Donald Trump’s heart was through being a fighter and at least matching Donald Trump's rhetoric, if not taking it further," Devine concluded.

As Vance prepares for his new role, how much influence he will truly have in Trump’s administration remains to be seen.