WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance is emerging as a key figure in the Trump administration, taking on a growing list of responsibilities just weeks into the new term.
Most notably, President Donald Trump has tasked Vance, alongside National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, with overseeing negotiations to restructure and potentially sell TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform facing a possible U.S. ban. The assignment comes as Vance balances a range of high-profile duties, from advocating for Trump’s economic policies to securing support for controversial Cabinet nominees.
This week, Vance returned to his home state of Ohio to mark the second anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to long-term recovery efforts. Later, he worked behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, helping to rally Republican senators behind nominees such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.
Vance is also set to make his first international trip as vice president, attending an artificial intelligence summit in Paris and the Munich Security Conference in Germany. His stance on foreign policy—particularly his skepticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine—has made him a notable figure among global leaders wary of Trump’s approach to NATO and international alliances.
A senior White House official praised Vance for his willingness to take on difficult assignments, calling him an “all-around player” in the administration. Some strategists see his expanding role as a sign he is positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential run, though Vance has dismissed speculation about his political future.
For now, the vice president remains focused on advancing Trump’s agenda, both at home and abroad.
