Major Controversies Surrounding JD Vance: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around JD Vance—discover key moments of controversy.

J.D. Vance is an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran. He served as the 50th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump, and as a U.S. Senator representing Ohio from 2023 to 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2018: Satel's Residency in Appalachia

In 2018, Sally Satel's yearlong residency in Ohio's Appalachian region, funded by Our Ohio Renewal, occurred.

2019: ProPublica Investigation on Purdue Pharma

A 2019 ProPublica investigation revealed ties between Sally Satel, her employer (AEI), and Purdue Pharma, tainting the charity's biggest accomplishment.

2022: Criticism of Our Ohio Renewal During Senate Campaign

During Vance's 2022 campaign for U.S. Senate, Tim Ryan criticized Our Ohio Renewal, calling it a front for Vance's political ambitions.

July 2024: Concerns About Vance as Running Mate

In July 2024, a CNN poll analysis after the Republican National Convention showed a net-negative approval rating for J.D. Vance, leading some to question his suitability as a running mate.

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July 2024: Vance comments on Harris' Candidacy

In July 2024, after President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy and Kamala Harris became a presidential candidate, J.D. Vance stated at a private fundraiser that Kamala Harris did not have the same baggage as Joe Biden and that the political calculus remains the same whether it is Harris or Biden as the Democratic nominee.

July 26, 2024: Vance Clarifies Remarks on "Childless Cat Ladies"

On July 26, 2024, J.D. Vance clarified his previous remarks on The Megyn Kelly Show regarding "childless cat ladies", stating that it wasn't a criticism of people who don't have children, but rather a criticism of the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child.

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August 2024: Vance Criticizes Kamala Harris and Downplays VP Role

In August 2024, following previous criticisms of his remarks, J.D. Vance said that a vice president doesn't really matter and that Kamala Harris has been a bad vice president. Later in August 2024, after the Trump campaign faced controversy at Arlington National Cemetery, Vance attacked Harris, saying "she can go to hell".

September 2024: Vance Alleges Haitian Immigrants Causing Chaos

In September 2024, J.D. Vance alleged that Haitian illegal immigrants are draining social services and causing chaos in Springfield, Ohio, including reports of pets being abducted and eaten, which local authorities have stated there are no credible reports of such incidents.

September 2024: Vance Speaks at Town Hall Event Organized by Lance Wallnau

In September 2024, J.D. Vance spoke at a western Pennsylvania town hall event organized by Lance Wallnau, who has promoted election denialism and called Kamala Harris a demon.

October 2024: Vance Claims Election Rigging by Big Tech

In October 2024, J.D. Vance stated that he did not believe Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election and claimed that Big Tech rigged the election through censorship.

February 28, 2025: Vance and Trump Meet with Zelenskyy

On February 28, 2025, J.D. Vance and Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House's Oval Office during an internationally broadcast event, where Vance advocated for diplomacy with Russia.