There’s a new voice in the West Wing, shaking up the political landscape with an unfiltered, no-holds-barred approach to social media. He’s using the platform to drive the news cycle, mock his critics’ intelligence, take jabs at Democratic opponents, and occasionally let a typo or two slip through. But here’s the kicker—it’s not Donald Trump.
Meet JD Vance, the first millennial vice president of the United States, who skyrocketed to fame in 2016 with his bestselling political memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. In the early days of Trump’s second term, Vance has made it clear that he’s not just along for the ride—he’s bringing his own brand of political combat to the table. His online persona? A mix of strategic trolling, cultural commentary, and a heavy dose of MAGA bravado.
A New Era of Political Trolling
While Trump himself set the gold standard for weaponizing social media, Vance is proving he’s a formidable successor. Unlike his predecessor Mike Pence—who kept his online presence relatively tame, save for the occasional all-caps outburst—Vance has fully embraced the MAGA-style of digital warfare. And according to political insiders, he’s doing it well.
“The president is a trailblazer when it comes to trolling: He is the greatest of all time at it—but the vice president is in the upper echelon,” says Alex Bruesewitz, a conservative digital strategist. “JD gets the game. He’s effective at it, and he instinctually understands how to play it.”
This aggressive approach signals a shift in how political leaders communicate, using social media not just as a tool for messaging but as a weapon to shape public perception and dominate the news cycle. Vance isn’t just talking to the American people—he’s provoking reactions, setting narratives, and making sure his voice is heard, even when it comes with a side of controversy.
The Wild World of Vance’s Social Media Posts
Vance’s online presence isn’t just about politics; it’s a mash-up of cultural references, legal debates, and straight-up internet humor. In just the past few weeks, he’s:
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Sparred with Rep. Ro Khanna over whether a former Department of Government Efficiency employee, linked to racist online comments, should be reinstated.
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Declared that federal judges shouldn’t have the power to override the executive branch.
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Quoted Good Will Hunting, using the famous “How do you like them apples?” line to defend Trump’s tariff policies.
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Pondered the logistics of a chihuahua-German shepherd mix featured in the Puppy Bowl.
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Made a social commentary about the 2006 Rascal Flatts song “Life is a Highway”, suggesting it divides people into two distinct genders.
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Misspelled Trump’s name as “Trunp” and, in true internet fashion, left the post up.
“He is the vice president, but he has continued to be a prolific social media user, in many ways, to his own advantage, and to advance the message of the administration,” notes GOP strategist Matthew Bartlett. “But there's also been some hiccups along the way.”
Unapologetically Authentic—or Recklessly Irresponsible?
Vance’s unfiltered online style has drawn both admiration and sharp criticism. Some see his posts as refreshingly genuine, while others argue they lack the professionalism expected of a vice president. His willingness to engage in online spats, even with conservative allies, has raised eyebrows. Case in point: when criticized for missing key Senate votes before taking office, Vance lashed out at Grace Chong, a financial officer for Steve Bannon’s War Room, calling her a “mouth-breathing imbecile”—a post he later deleted.
This approach isn’t new for Vance. Before stepping into the political arena, he was an active blogger, waxing poetic about movies like Garden State and reflecting on personal experiences. Fast-forward to today, and his evolution into a MAGA firebrand seems complete. While Trump has long dominated the social media battlefield, Vance is carving out his own path—one that combines sharp political instincts with an irreverent, digital-native touch.
The White House’s Take: Transparency or Chaos?
Vance’s press team stands by his approach, framing it as part of a broader commitment to transparency. “As the most transparent administration in history, President Trump and Vice President Vance are who they are,” says Taylor Van Kirk, Vance’s press secretary. “They believe the American people should be able to see their leaders in action and make up their own minds without any filter from the biased mainstream media.”
But is this radical authenticity a smart political strategy—or a ticking time bomb? Supporters argue that Vance’s realness makes him relatable, proving he’s not just another polished politician with a team of handlers crafting every post. Detractors, however, say that his social media antics diminish the dignity of the office and could backfire in ways yet unseen.
A Glimpse at 2028?
One thing is clear: JD Vance is positioning himself for a larger political role. Whether it’s a future presidential run or simply cementing his influence in Trump’s orbit, his digital presence is a key part of his brand. And in today’s hyper-polarized political climate, where social media can make or break a leader’s reputation, Vance is playing the game on his own terms.
Some, like conservative social media influencer William Wolfe, see him as a masterful poster, joking that he’ll one day tell his son about “one of the greatest”. Others, like Ron Filipkowski of the anti-Trump website MeidasTouch, dismiss him as a “full-time social media shitposter” on the government payroll.
But love him or hate him, JD Vance isn’t going unnoticed. His rise from memoirist to senator to vice president—and potentially beyond—is a case study in how modern politics and digital culture intersect. Whether his strategy will lead to greater political success or ultimately backfire remains to be seen. Either way, he’s making sure America is watching.
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