How Trump’s Running Mate James Vance Sees US Foreign Policy

U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump declared his intention to select James Vance as his vice-presidential running mate should he secure victory in the forthcoming election.

Vance, a 39-year-old Republican senator, has garnered substantial support within the GOP and among the general public for his right-wing populist stance on both domestic and international matters.

Vance is a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's foreign policy, particularly regarding the administration's approach to Ukraine, America's commitment to European defense, and the broader principles underpinning U.S. foreign engagements.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Vance elaborated on his foreign policy views, which he characterizes as "realistic." He underscored three fundamental considerations guiding his perspective.

Firstly, Vance argued that the U.S. should evaluate international relations based on national interests rather than the moral judgments of other nations.

He emphasized the importance of pragmatism over ideological alignment in diplomatic affairs.

Secondly, Vance pointed to the nexus between industrial and military power. He highlighted that America's military dominance is a consequence of the industrial prowess it developed during the 1980s and 1990s.

He warned that China's burgeoning industrial capacity could enable its military to surpass that of the U.S. within the next two decades.

Lastly, Vance stressed the necessity of acknowledging a multipolar world order. He advocated for a greater contribution from America's allies, allowing the U.S. to concentrate its strategic efforts on East Asia, which he views as the locus of America's primary geopolitical challenger in the coming 20 to 30 years.

‘Israeli’ Advocate

J.D. Vance, a proponent of the "America First" ideology, is a staunch supporter of “Israel” and advocates for Arab normalization with the Occupation.

He is also a vocal supporter of the Christian movement in the United States, emphasizing that the nation remains "the largest Christian majority country in the world." Vance attributes American support for Israel to this religious movement.

On multiple occasions, Vance expressed his backing for the Israeli occupation’s military actions in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and still ongoing. He called for unwavering support for the Israeli occupation until it "defeats" Hamas, believing such a defeat would facilitate Israeli normalization with Arab nations.

Vance opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, though he subsequently worked in public affairs for the U.S. military in Iraq. He later criticized the invasion, claiming it created a proxy for Iran in the Middle East and contributed to the exodus of Christians from Iraq.

A vocal critic of Washington's financial support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Vance argues that it is “ in America's interests to fund an effectively never-ending war in Ukraine.”

Vance's political journey includes a stark reversal of his stance on Donald Trump. Initially a fierce critic, he once likened Trump to Adolf Hitler and dismissed him as "an idiot" in private conversations.

In 2016, he oscillated between viewing Trump as a "malicious idiot" and "America’s Hitler." However, Vance later became one of Trump's most powerful supporters, crediting the former president's achievements from 2016 to 2020.

During his 2022 Senate campaign, Vance aligned closely with Trump's policies, which earned him the former president's endorsement. He notably minimized the severity of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack by Trump supporters.

In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Vance shared that his change of heart towards Trump was gradual, driven by a recognition that his initial opposition was more about Trump's style than his substance.

He admitted, “I allowed myself to focus so much on the stylistic element of Trump that I completely ignored how he substantively was offering something very different on foreign policy, on trade, on immigration. "

In a 2021 appearance on Fox News, Vance openly expressed regret for his past criticisms of Trump.

Europe and China

Vance discussed the sensitive issue of Taiwan and China, advocating for a policy of strategic ambiguity. He emphasized the necessity of making it "difficult for China to seize Taiwan in the first place" by increasing the costs of a potential invasion.

Vance criticized current U.S. priorities, stating, "We're not doing that because we're sending all the damn weapons to Ukraine and not Taiwan"

Turning to the conflict in Ukraine, he called for a defensive strategy that would “allow Ukraine to preserve its precious military manpower, stop the bleeding and provide time for negotiations.”

However, he acknowledged the high price of this approach for both the United States and Ukraine, saying that accepting the reality that Zelensky’s declared goal for the war (a return to the 1991 borders) is utopian.

Vance criticized the Biden administration for its lack of "a viable plan to win the Ukrainians over in this war," urging Americans to confront this reality to address the situation effectively.

Vance outlined a three-step vision for a truce. The first is to freeze the territorial lines somewhere close to where they are now.

The second is to guarantee Kyiv’s independence and neutrality, which is the basic thing that the Russians have asked for from the beginning. And the third is some long-term American security assistance.

Trump has frequently broached the topic of Europe’s defense, urging European nations to bolster their self-reliance.

Echoing this sentiment, Senator Vance, emphasized the necessity for European countries to enhance their own defense capabilities.

“The question every European nation must ask itself is: Are you prepared to defend yourself? The question the United States must ask is: If our European allies are unable even to defend themselves, are they allies or clients?” Vance wrote.

He further remarked, “Americans want allies in Europe, not client states, and our generosity in Ukraine is coming to an end. Europeans should regard the conclusion of the war there as an imperative.”

Vance also highlighted the importance of Europe continuing to "rebuild their industrial and military capabilities," stressing that the continent must consider its future relationship with Russia once the war in Ukraine concludes.

Regarding the future of US-Europe cooperation, Vance argued that “it is time for Europe to stand on its own two feet on defense.” For Vance, this does not mean that it has to stand alone, but it should not continue to use America as a crutch.