While President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the press in the Oval Office, Vice President JD Vance sat quietly on a nearby couch, listening as reporters bombarded them with questions about the Middle East.
It was a rare moment of stillness for Vance, who had spent the past several days in full-on political deal-making mode.
Pushing Trump’s Nominees Through
Vance had been working tirelessly behind the scenes, rallying support for some of Trump’s more controversial cabinet picks.
Two of the most debated nominees—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence—were facing fierce opposition, and Trump’s critics were already celebrating their potential downfall.
But Vance wasn’t about to let that happen.
He made his position clear on social media, warning fellow Republicans that rejecting Kennedy and Gabbard would come at a political cost.
“In their own way, both Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. represent parts of the new coalition in our party,” he wrote on X. “To say they’re unwelcome in the cabinet is to insult those new voters.”
The Power of Listening
Unlike many in Washington, Vance isn’t known for making grandstanding speeches—he’s known for listening.
Despite having only two years in the Senate before becoming vice president, he had already earned a reputation for being a persuasive and patient negotiator.
His focus was on winning over two key senators: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana from the Senate Finance Committee and Todd Young of Indiana from the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Vance took the time to hear out their concerns, ensuring that Kennedy and Gabbard addressed every question raised. His approach worked.
Just before the committee vote, Young announced he would support Gabbard, crediting Vance for his patience. “He listened more than he talked, and he was effective in finding a way forward,” Young told reporters.
Cassidy also came around, publicly thanking Vance for his honest counsel before casting his vote for Kennedy.
A Growing Reputation as a Deal-Maker
With Cassidy and Young on board, Kennedy and Gabbard were set for their final confirmation vote, and Vance’s political capital soared.
Republican senators praised his ability to navigate Washington’s power struggles, cementing his role as one of Trump’s most trusted advisors.
One of Vance’s biggest early victories had been convincing Trump to drop his initial choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a nominee unlikely to survive the confirmation process.
Even when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s nomination seemed doomed, Vance stepped in at the last moment to break a tie, securing the appointment despite opposition from GOP heavyweights like former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“The Coolest Job I’ve Ever Had”
Vance’s ability to get things done hasn’t gone unnoticed.
During the press conference with Netanyahu, Trump made a point to acknowledge his vice president, urging him to stand.
“JD, please, vice president, stand up.
He’s been doing a good job,” Trump said as Vance stood with a grin. “He’s been working very hard on all things.”
But Vance’s challenges are far from over.
His next big task? Negotiating a deal to keep TikTok operational, despite widespread Republican support for banning the platform.
It’s another test of his influence, and one that could define his role in Trump’s administration.
For Vance, it’s all part of the job. “It’s the coolest job I’ve ever had,” he said in a recent interview. “And it’s an honor to serve.”
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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