J.D. Vance has not yet addressed a recently circulated image of himself in drag, but the Trump campaign is clearly aware of its rapid spread on social media and in news outlets over the weekend. According to reports, a spokesperson for Vance did not confirm or deny the image’s authenticity when asked about it.
On Monday, another image was released, allegedly depicting Vance in drag, this time striking a dramatic pose.
The controversy adds to the scrutiny surrounding Vance, who has shifted to a strongly conservative stance in recent years. The Ohio senator previously opposed the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act, which established same-sex marriage as legal nationwide, and has proposed legislation to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth at the federal level. He has also suggested that the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in public life is predatory, stating on social media in 2022 that he would stop calling people “groomers” if they ceased opposing laws aimed at protecting children from sexualization.
This statement was likely a reference to increasing legislative efforts to ban drag shows in the presence of minors, a trend that gained momentum in 2022. The situation is particularly ironic given that Vance participated in drag less than a decade ago, highlighting the contrast between his past and current political promises. The ongoing Republican Party platform includes commitments to restrict gender transition in schools and to overturn the Biden administration’s inclusive Title IX regulations.
The party’s document asserts that “Republicans Will End Left-Wing Gender Insanity,” suggesting that the push against LGBTQ+ rights is coming from within their ranks.