Republican Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson voiced his support for JD Vance as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, brushing aside Vance’s previous anti-Trump sentiments from 2016. Johnson believes that Vance’s shift in perspective towards Trump could potentially sway undecided voters to support the Republican ticket.
Speaking to Fox News Digital at the Republican National Convention (RNC), Johnson stated, “I think it’s admirable that people grow and they change their opinions. And I credit him with that. That’s not going to be a problem at all. He just might help other people change their opinions of Donald Trump, who had to be changed after what happened on Saturday night.” He referred to the assassination attempt against Trump on Saturday, suggesting that the event could have impacted Trump’s outlook, stating, “You got President Trump now, if he wins re-election, he doesn’t have to worry about re-election. That’s liberating, and he has to believe that God saved him for a reason, for this moment.”
In 2016, following the release of his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance, then gaining national prominence, had publicly criticized Trump’s presidential campaign, even labeling himself as a “Never Trump guy.” Since then, Vance has wholeheartedly disavowed his previous comments, assuring voters of his willingness to acknowledge his past mistakes.
Vance has addressed his past criticism directly in media interviews, including a conversation with Fox News’ Bret Baier last month. “Look, I was wrong about Donald Trump,” Vance admitted. “I didn’t think he was gonna be a good president, Bret. He was a great president. And it’s one of the reasons why I’m working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.”
Johnson further emphasized Vance’s character, calling him a man of “integrity.” He expressed confidence in Trump’s judgment in selecting Vance, stating, “I hate to lose him as a colleague. That pretty much says it all. He’s a person of integrity, intelligence. He’s a great vice presidential pick. President Trump had a wealth of talent to choose from, and I think he chose wisely.”
Trump formally announced Vance as his running mate on Monday, marking the opening day of the RNC. He made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating, “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio.”
This announcement comes in the aftermath of a shooting incident on Saturday in Pennsylvania, where an individual identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at Trump, striking him in the ear. The Secret Service quickly responded, killing the shooter.
