In a striking revelation, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) expressed serious doubts about Donald Trump’s presidency in private messages prior to the 2020 election. These communications, which the Washington Post obtained, highlight Vance’s criticisms of Trump for failing to fulfill his promises and predicting his electoral loss to Joe Biden.
According to The Post, Vance engaged in a conversation via Twitter, now known as X, with a writer he respected. In their exchange, he quipped about Trump acting like an “emperor,” showcasing his discontent with the former president’s leadership style. The recipient of these messages remains anonymous to protect them from potential backlash.
The direct messages, sent during Trump’s final year in office, reveal Vance’s sharp critique of Trump’s governance. He argued that Trump had not delivered on his economic agenda, stating in February 2020, “Trump has just so thoroughly failed to deliver on his economic populism (excepting a disjointed China policy).” Furthermore, he forecasted in June of that year, “I think Trump will probably lose.”
These revelations challenge Vance’s narrative about his alignment with Trumpism. The messages were penned years after Vance had previously labeled Trump as “reprehensible” and “cultural heroin” in 2016, raising questions about his evolving stance on the former president.
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A spokesperson for Vance did not deny the authenticity of the messages but argued that they were directed at “establishment Republicans” who hindered Trump’s populist economic initiatives, rather than being outright criticisms of Trump himself.
This clarification aims to frame Vance’s remarks in a different light as he positions himself for a future in Republican politics.
