JD Vance
, the
Ohio senator
recently named as
Donald Trump's running mate
, follows several accounts on X that promote
far-right
and
white nationalist
views. The 39-year-old senator, who rose to prominence with his best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, follows controversial figures ranging from the Right Wing Bodybuilders community, known for their blend of white nationalist beliefs and anti-globalist sentiments, to promoters of the 'Great Replacement' theory, the Independent reported.
One such account Vance follows is Raw Egg Nationalist, which has been associated with controversial content, including Adolf Hitler memes, quotes from Mein Kampf, and the promotion of the 'Great Replacement' theory, sparking excitement within certain far-right circles, who view Vance as sympathetic to their ideas.
JD Vance also follows the account Bronze Age Pervert, which is believed to be managed by far-right bodybuilder Costin Alamariu. This account is known for promoting eugenic breeding. Alamariu's self-published book, Bronze Age Mindset, is considered a key text within the far-right Bodybuilders scene and was reportedly circulated among younger members of the Trump White House. In a 2021 essay, Alamariu expressed his belief in a "military caste of men" who would lead society toward eugenics-based morality.
“They are one of the main centers of gravity within the contemporary far right in the US,” a political scientist was quoted as reacting to this.
JD Vance also follows podcast host Darryl Cooper, who according to the report said that the 2017 Charlottesville ‘Unite The Right’ rally included “a bunch of good people." Though being on the conservative side and ranting out the "liberal elite", Vance also follows journalists and magazines from liberal institutions.
Vance also follows controversial political scientist Richard Hanania , whom he refers to as “friend” and a “really interesting thinker.” Richard Hanania has been infamously known for having written for several white nationalist websites in the past, opposing "race mixing."
Far-right social media influencer Laura Loomer who identified herself as a “proud Islamophobe” is also among those Vance follows.
In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Vance touched on his humble beginnings in Kentucky and Ohio and pledged to remain grounded. Vance, a Republican who initially opposed Donald Trump's candidacy in 2016, had a change of heart by 2021. Despite previously labeling Trump as "dangerous" and "unfit" for office, Vance later praised the former president's achievements during his tenure.
Vance, married to Indian-American lawyer Usha Chilukuri Vance, with whom he shares three children, had also denounced Trump's racist language, even suggesting he could be "America's Hitler." However, when the two met in 2021, they both minimized Vance's earlier critical remarks.
English (US) ·