JD Vance grows VP clout as Donald Trump’s enforcer and MAGA star
===============================================================

JD Vance gains clout with Trump and MAGA over bombshell VP moments
====================================================================

 

USA TODAY

* * *

WASHINGTON – Vice President  didn't hold back.

The public portion of  meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly over when the Ukrainian leader  to America's second-in-command. The vice president took offense and went on the attack.

Pointing his finger at Zelenskyy and waving his hands, Vance accused Trump's guest of being "disrespectful."

"You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict," Vance said, leaning in.

Zelenskyy sat, arms crossed, and engaged Vance as Trump listened and eventually piled on. Gone were the days of vice presidents silently nodding on during diplomatic stagecraft.

From whipping votes for Trump's troubled nominees in Congress to slamming liberal governance in Europe, Vance has seized an early role for himself as Trump's enforcer in the U.S. and abroad. The standoff in the Oval Office put Vance at the center of a sea change in American foreign policy and signaled how the new administration has stealthily amassed political power.

More: 

Trump's initial chat with Zelenskyy on February 28 was a tense moment. The vice president responded with a shout-out to Vance, who offered his support.

Vance's public display from his seat presiding over the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives came after months of behind-the-scenes work for the administration on Capitol Hill.

The former Ohio senator who served for two years put his relationships to work getting Trump's controversial Cabinet nominees confirmed, at the president’s direction. 

* * *

#### Featured Weekly Ad

Keep on reading
--------------





Officials have released a report on the death of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Australian Kelpie mix, Zinna, who was found in a crate near Arakawa.

* * *





When it comes to bootlicking, Arizona leaders really need to up their game.

* * *





I am disappointed in Trump, and I voted for him.

* * *





Just when you thought the Trump administration's denigration of the federal workers couldn't get worse, Alina Habba specifically insults veterans.

* * *





* * *





Top doctor urges people over 60 to stop making this huge mistake for their health.

* * *





Daniel Schwarz, 48, and his wife "forced their daughter to jump on a trampoline for an extended period without food or water as a form of punishment."

* * *





* * *





* * *





* * *





Two letter writers weigh-in on the Ukraine minerals deal in exchange for continued U.S. support. And let's be clear: Russia started the war.

* * *





After Sunday, Trump merchandise will be gone from the once vacant car repair shop.

* * *




```