James David Vance took an astonishing step in his meteoric political rise on Monday when he was sworn in as the youngest vice president of the United States in more than 70 years.
Just 40 years old, Mr. Vance assumed his first public office only two years ago as a senator from Ohio. While a four-year term as vice president has tended to punctuate the long political careers of his predecessors, it will instead mostly define Mr. Vance’s.
Mr. Vance appears to have a wide berth to shape his role in the new administration. He was front-and-center during the election, driving the campaign’s messages on immigration and leading attacks on Democratic opponents. But since then, he has taken a more behind-the-scenes role in helping President Trump prepare for office.
During the inauguration inside the Capitol, Mr. Vance was seated at Mr. Trump’s right hand. His ability to remain affixed to Mr. Trump, whose closest relationships are often his most fraught, will determine his influence inside the administration and his standing within the Republican Party.
So far, Mr. Vance has maintained Mr. Trump’s confidence.
After Mr. Vance took the oath of office using a family Bible, Mr. Trump offered him a hearty handshake before taking a step closer to him to offer a word of encouragement and two solid slaps on the back. Mr. Vance smiled and nodded in return, and the president patted him again on the shoulder.
Later, Mr. Trump praised Mr. Vance’s performance on the campaign trail and credited the vice president, along with the first lady, Melania Trump, for helping convince him to focus more on national unity rather than some of the political grievances he had wanted to include in his inaugural address.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
