Trump puts Vance to tough diplomatic test at Paris AI summit, Munich Security Conference

As Paris prepares to take centre stage on February 10-11, 2025, welcoming world leaders, policymakers, industry pioneers, researchers, academics, NGOs and artists for the AI Action Summit, one figure in particular commands global attention—a bestselling author, Yale law graduate and rising star in US politics: Vice President JD Vance.

Vice President Vance made his debut foreign visit in this role, travelling first to Paris before proceeding to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. In Paris, he joined global stalwarts such as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

However, Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy (2016), had a challenging start in life. Born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, he was raised by his grandparents in a turbulent household, where poverty and instability were constant struggles.

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His memoir later chronicled the hardships of working-class America, particularly in Appalachia, striking a chord with readers nationwide. The book’s success propelled James David Vance into the national spotlight, shaping his journey from a difficult upbringing to political prominence.

Rise of JD Vance in Trump’s inner circle

Henry J Gomez, a senior national political reporter for NBC News, explains is his piece that when Donald Trump chose Vance as his running mate, many saw it as a way to strengthen Trump’s hold on the Republican Party’s populist base.

However, just a few months into his role as vice president, Vance is showing he is much more than just a symbolic pick. He has become one of Trump’s strongest allies in Washington, helping push forward key domestic policies and gaining recognition on the global stage in Paris.

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Vance has been instrumental in negotiating Senate deals and securing Cabinet confirmations, proving his growing influence in the administration. His efforts in shaping economic and immigration policies have positioned him as a vital link between Trump and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, especially as the administration pushes forward its ambitious second-term plans. Now, as he navigates through his first diplomatic tour, his role as a key international figure will becoming clearer this week.

Gomez writes that one clear sign of Vance’s growing role is his active involvement in foreign policy. Vice presidents have often played important diplomatic roles in the past—Richard Nixon’s 1959 visit to the Soviet Union, George HW Bush’s international engagements and Joe Biden’s extensive foreign diplomacy efforts all set examples. Vance’s first foreign trip is not just a symbolic move. It also shows the administration’s strategic priorities.

Vance’s rise as vice president sparked discussions about how the role has been changing. Once seen as a secondary position, the vice presidency has become much more powerful in recent decades. Leaders like Dick Cheney and Joe Biden expanded its influence, and now Vance seems set to follow the same path. His political skills, strategic partnerships and strong beliefs suggest he could shape policies far beyond the usual expectations for a vice president.

Vance’s impact goes beyond the traditional ceremonial duties of the role. His strong connections with conservative groups, populist appeal and ability to work within Washington’s political system have made him a key figure in the Trump administration.

While his support for economic nationalism resonates with grassroots conservatives, his practical approach to governance has helped him build alliances across different political groups. This puts him in a unique position to bridge the gap between ideological hardliners and more moderate voices within the administration. Vice presidents often wield considerable behind-the-scenes power in shaping domestic and international policy.

Vance’s loyalty to Trump has been a key part of their relationship. He went from being a Trump sceptic to one of his most trusted allies. Now, he is seen as a key figure in the administration. His political future, including a possible 2028 presidential run, depends heavily on Trump’s success. Vance’s supporters believe his strong loyalty is his biggest strength, helping him stay important as the Republican Party continues to change.

Even as a Senator representing Ohio earlier, Vance handled domestic crises like the East Palestine train derailment and reinforced his role as a key problem-solver. His influence in the Senate has also been significant as he played a critical role in securing confirmations for Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. His ability to sway crucial votes and even cast a tie-breaker has strengthened his position as a legislative force.

Almost complete autonomy

Vice President Vance has been granted an unusual level of autonomy within the White House, allowing him to make staffing decisions without any interference from President Trump or his senior aides.

According to NBC News, His core team of political strategists—Jai Chabria, Andy Surabian and Luke Thompson—are not officially employed by the vice president’s office but remain closely involved as external advisers. It is widely believed that these individuals will play a crucial role if Vance chooses to pursue a future presidential bid.

Traditionally, presidents and their teams have exercised significant control over their vice presidents’ staffing decisions. Reports indicate that former President Joe Biden’s advisers had intentionally distanced some of Vice President Kamala Harris’s longtime allies from her team. Similarly, during Trump’s first term, tensions were said to have arisen with then-Vice President Mike Pence, who reportedly had no pre-existing relationship with Trump.

Political strategist Surabian, who has worked with both Trump and Vance, reportedly suggested that Vance’s ability to personally select his staff demonstrated the high level of trust Trump and his team had in him.

Trump-Vance dynamic

Less than a month of his inauguration, Vance has proven himself as a versatile and effective vice president. From tackling domestic crises to shaping international policy, he is positioning himself as a central figure in Trump’s White House.

As his portfolio expands, his ability to deal with political complexities while maintaining his strategic alignment with Trump will determine his long-term legacy. His role in the administration is not just about executing tasks—it’s about shaping the future of the MAGA movement and potentially paving the way for his own presidential ambitions.