Here’s what conservatives should know.
In a recent interview on “Fox and Friends,” Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance from Ohio highlighted a notable aspect of former President Donald Trump’s vision for a potential second term. Vance suggested that Trump would be open to including Democrats in his Cabinet if he were to win the upcoming November election. This statement came as a response to Vice President Kamala Harris’s similar commitment to bipartisan appointments, which she mentioned during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash.
Vance’s comments underscored Trump’s broad appeal across the political spectrum. He pointed out recent endorsements from prominent Democrats like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman who switched parties in 2022. “We’ve garnered substantial support from Democrats,” Vance noted, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Trump’s campaign.
In contrast, Harris had stated during her CNN interview that if she were elected, she would consider appointing a Republican to her Cabinet. Harris emphasized the value of having diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, though she did not specify who might be included.
Historically, presidents from both parties have occasionally appointed members of the opposing party to foster unity. For instance, former President Obama retained Republican Robert Gates as Defense Secretary and appointed Ray LaHood, a Republican, as Transportation Secretary. Similarly, Trump kept Robert Work, an Obama appointee, as Deputy Defense Secretary at the beginning of his administration.
Vance, who was selected as Trump’s running mate in mid-July, asserted that Trump’s campaign represents a broad, inclusive movement in American politics. “The Trump movement in 2024 is about common sense and inclusivity,” Vance explained. “While we may not agree on every issue, we are united on core principles: reducing American energy costs, boosting domestic manufacturing, and securing our borders to combat illegal drugs and trafficking.”
Interestingly, prior to joining the Republican ticket, Vance had praised Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan for her efforts on antitrust issues, showcasing his willingness to acknowledge effective work across party lines.