Vance criticizes Donald Trump, calling him 'reprehensible' and 'America's Hitler,' and identifies as a 'never Trump' Republican.

In 2016, J.D. Vance was an outspoken critic of Donald Trump during the latter's first presidential campaign. At the time, Vance identified as a "Never Trump" Republican, voicing strong objections to Trump’s rhetoric and political style. He described Trump as "reprehensible" and even compared him to "America's Hitler" in private conversations, expressing deep concern about the direction in which Trump was leading the Republican Party. Vance’s disapproval was not just rhetorical but ideological, as he criticized the populist wave Trump was riding. Vance viewed Trump’s policies and approach as dangerous and divisive. He made comments in interviews and social media posts reflecting his belief that Trump’s rise was a symptom of deeper cultural and political issues in America, comparing Trump supporters’ enthusiasm to "a heroin addiction." However, Vance’s stance changed by the time of his 2022 Senate run. In a significant political shift, he embraced Trump’s platform and sought his endorsement, which ultimately helped him secure the Republican nomination for the Ohio Senate seat. Vance later acknowledged his earlier criticisms but described his change of heart as part of a broader alignment with the populist movement that Trump spearheaded.