Trump’s new running mate is coming under serious scrutiny for what appears to be a history of ideological flip-flopping. One old friend has opened up to reporters about JD Vance’s tricky political ambitions.
By Trump’s Side
Since Senator JD Vance was chosen as the 2024 running mate for presidential candidate Donald Trump, many have questioned Vance’s sudden shift from a staunchly anti-Trump Republican to a seemingly loyal sidekick.
Former Friend Speaks Out
However, for Sofia Nelson, a former classmate and long-time friend of Vance, his ideological change to gain political power was all too predictable.
Yale Classmates
Nelson and Vance met at Yale Law School back in 2010, where they were both enrolled, and the pair were fast friends. Nelson is trans and uses they/them pronouns, but this never seemed to bother Vance.
Speaking to The Times
In an interview with the New York Times, Nelson, who is now a public defender based in Detroit, shared the details of their decade-long friendship and the events that led to its end.
Keeping in Touch
After their graduation from Yale, Vance and Nelson kept in touch with each other and often communicated over email, messages, and Zoom calls.
Support After Surgery
On one occasion, Vance and his wife Usha even brought Nelson home baking after they received top surgery, referring to a type of gender-affirming surgery for people who are assigned female at birth.
Past Messages
Vance appeared to be sensitive and accepting toward Nelson’s gender identity, as shown in an email that he sent to Vance following the publication of his popular memoir Hillbilly Elegy in 2016. Vance had mentioned Sofia in the memoir.
Reference in His Memoir
“Hey Sofes, here’s an excerpt from my book. I send this to you not just to brag, but because I’m sure if you read it you’ll notice reference to ‘an extremely progressive lesbian,’” he wrote, referring to her gender transition.
Sensitive to His Friends
“I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry,” he wrote. “I hope you’re not offended, but if you are, I’m sorry! Love you, JD.”
Pushing to Ban Trans Healthcare
The pair enjoyed a strong friendship until 2021, when Vance openly supported a bill in Arkansas that would ban the use of gender-affirming healthcare such as puberty blockers for LGBTQ+ minors.
The End of the Friendship
For Nelson, Vance’s sudden pivot to advocating for anti-LGBTQ legislation was a bridge too far. “It hurt my feelings when he started saying hateful things about trans people,” Nelson told the Times. The friendship came to an end.
More Support For Anti-Trans Legislation
The potential vice president went on to support even more legislation restricting access to gender-affirming care for trans individuals during his time as an Ohio senator.
Protect Children’s Innocence Act
In July 2023, he himself introduced the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would make gender-affirming surgical procedures and medical for trans minors a Class C felony.
“Spewing Anti-LGBTQ Vitriol”
He also introduced a second bill to prevent US passports from implementing an “X” gender designation instead of the conventional “F” for females and “M” for males. He has been accused of “spewing anti-LGBTQ+ vitriol”
Civil Rights Attorney Speaks
Civil rights attorney and LGBTQ advocate Alejandra Caraballo also weighed in on Nelson’s story while speaking to the Times.
Throwing Them Under the Bus
“JD Vance and his wife were previously close friends with a trans classmate at Yale Law,” she said. “That all changed in 2021 as he eyed running for senate in Ohio. Vance will throw his friends, family, and loved ones under the bus for political power.”
Chameleon Ideologies
Nelson – along with other former friends, acquaintances, and critics of Vance – has pointed to these experiences as indicative of Vance’s predilection to change his political views to gain more power, money, and influence.
Loudly Anti-Trump
Most famously, the venture capitalist turned senator was also vocally anti-Trump, with a history of making disparaging comments about the former president in texts and messages to friends.
His Campaign Responds
Vance’s campaign acknowledged the Times interview with Nelson, issuing a statement on the matter.
He Wishes Them “the Very Best”
“Senator Vance…has been open about the fact that some of his views from a decade ago began to change after becoming a dad and starting a family, and he has thoroughly explained why he changed his mind on President Trump,” the statement read. “Despite their disagreements, Senator Vance cares for Sofia and wishes Sofia the very best.”
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