Newly revealed emails from JD Vance’s past shed light on his shifting political stance, particularly regarding former President Donald Trump. The correspondence, dated from 2014 to 2017 and shared with the New York Times by his former friend Sofia Nelson, shows Vance once labeled Trump a “morally reprehensible human being” and expressed disdain for the police.
The emails also reveal a more personal side of Vance’s relationship with Nelson, including his support for her after transition-related surgery and discussions on various political issues. In one email, Vance sent Nelson an excerpt from his bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy, noting a reference to an “extremely progressive lesbian” and apologizing if it didn’t align with her identity.
Nelson recounted Vance’s supportive gestures following her surgery, stating, “The content of the conversation was, ‘I don’t understand what you’re doing, but I support you,’” which she valued highly.
Despite this support, Vance’s public and private views on Trump appear contradictory. Prior to his political alignment with Trump, Vance had criticized the former president harshly. In 2016, Vance described Trump as “a disaster” and “a bad man,” and expressed concerns about Trump’s appeal to white voters potentially harming Black communities. He also denounced Trump as “America’s Hitler” and “cultural heroin.”
Vance’s stance on Trump has evolved significantly. As recently as 2015, Vance was critical of Trump’s racism but acknowledged the real estate magnate’s appeal on economic issues, saying, “If he would just tone down the racism, I would literally be his biggest supporter.”
By 2021, Vance’s political aspirations led him to align with the Republican Party, even as he and Nelson continued to disagree on progressive issues like transgender rights.
A spokesperson for Vance commented, “Senator Vance has been transparent about how his views have evolved over the years, particularly after becoming a father. He has explained his change of heart on President Trump and maintains a respectful relationship with Sofia despite their differing opinions.”
The emails also expose Vance’s previously held progressive views, including criticisms of police conduct and discussions on reparations and Confederate flags. In one 2014 email, he shared his frustration with law enforcement and expressed solidarity with marginalized communities.
