According to Daily Mail, three black trucks with United States government plates were spotted at the home of Ohio Senator JD Vance on Saturday.
The sighting has fueled speculation about whether Vance, a rumored vice-presidential candidate, has already been chosen by former President Donald Trump. Vance, known for his strong support within Trump's MAGA base, received additional protection following the assassination attempt on Trump, which the former president survived. Vance has publicly blamed President Joe Biden's rhetoric for inciting the attack.
The presence of the black trucks led to social media speculation that they might be Secret Service agents, causing many to wonder if Vance had officially been chosen as Trump's running mate. However, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News that the vehicles were not Secret Service and their presence was unrelated to the vice-presidential selection process.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine confirmed that Ohio State Highway Patrol and ATF agents were sent to Vance's home. The request for extra security was approved following the attempted assassination of Trump, but specific details about the operation were not disclosed. "For safety reasons, the patrol does not discuss specific details related to security operations," stated the Ohio State Highway Patrol in a statement.
The additional security at Vance's home has not been confirmed for other rumored vice-presidential candidates, such as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senator Marco Rubio. It remains unclear whether fellow Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown has received similar protection.
A spokesperson for Governor DeWine declined to comment on whether there was a specific threat against Vance or the reasoning behind the security measures. Vance has not made any public statements regarding the increased security at his residence.
After the assassination attempt on Trump, Vance took to social media to blame President Biden's rhetoric. Vance's comments have further intensified the political discourse surrounding the incident.
Once a vocal critic of Trump, Vance's transformation from a "Never Trump" advocate to one of Trump's most visible defenders has been striking. His 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," brought him national attention and political fame, portraying the struggles of working-class Americans and cautioning against Trump's allure.
Despite his early criticisms, Vance has become a hero to the MAGA movement and a proponent of America's First economic nationalism. Supporters like Donald Trump Jr. and Tucker Carlson argue that Vance's connection with Rust Belt states and his personal story make him an ideal running mate for Trump.
Critics, however, accuse Vance of abandoning his principles for political gain. They point to his previous statements labeling Trump unfit for office, which starkly contrast his current staunch defense of the former president.
As the Republican National Convention approaches, speculation about Trump's vice-presidential pick continues to mount. Vance is seen as a leading contender, especially with the announcement that Donald Trump Jr. will speak ahead of the vice-presidential announcement at the convention.
"The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger," Trump told the Washington Examiner. "Had this not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches aimed mostly at the policies of President Joe Biden. Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now."
The presence of black trucks with government plates at JD Vance's home has ignited speculation about his potential vice-presidential candidacy. Despite the heightened security, it has been clarified that the extra protection is not related to the veepstakes but rather a precautionary measure following the attempt on Trump's life. Vance's journey from a "Never Trump" critic to a staunch supporter has been notable, making him a significant figure in the upcoming Republican National Convention. As the convention approaches, anticipation builds around Trump's vice-presidential announcement and how he will address the nation in the wake of recent events.
