Who is J.D. Vance and What is His Position on Gun Control?

The nation will soon know Senator J.D. Vance far better than it does now. Announced as Donald Trump's running mate, Vance has consistently defended the Second Amendment and has made significant waves with his strong stance on gun rights. As supporters of 80 Percent Arms and plaintiffs in the VanDerStok v. Garland lawsuit, we recognize a kindred spirit in Vance's relentless fight for our constitutional freedoms.

J.D. Vance, raised in a poverty and abuse-stricken household, chronicled his experiences in the bestselling book "Hillbilly Elegy." This work not only catapulted him to fame but also showcased his deep criticisms of politics and their impact on the working class. Initially skeptical of Trump, Vance’s views evolved, and he eventually garnered Trump’s endorsement in his 2022 Senate race, solidifying his role as a prominent Trump supporter.

In the Senate, Vance has consistently opposed any legislation he perceives as infringing on gun rights. He has been vocal about resisting measures that could lead to increased gun control, emphasizing the need to protect lawful gun ownership from any form of government interference. Vance's commitment to preserving gun rights, resisting federal overreach, and challenging corporate influence sets him apart as a key figure in the ongoing battle for America’s constitutional freedoms.

A significant part of Vance’s stance includes his defense of ghost guns, or privately manufactured firearms. He criticizes the Biden administration’s efforts to regulate these, stating, "Biden has pushed for executive orders that would restrict ‘ghost guns’... this is the worst kind of political showmanship." Vance argues that these restrictions will make it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights without reducing gun violence, emphasizing, "these measures will not have even a small effect on gun violence in our country."

As strong advocates of the right to build and own 80% lowers, we at 80 Percent Arms applaud Vance’s unwavering stance. Our ongoing lawsuit, VanDerStok v. Garland, fights against similar federal overreach. It is crucial to have leaders like Vance who understand and defend the importance of these rights.

Vance warns that "perhaps the biggest threat to the Second Amendment comes not from the Biden Administration, but from some of our biggest companies." He points out that BlackRock, a major money manager who also featured Trumps would-be assassin, has started buying single-family homes and threatens to restrict firearm ownership for renters. Additionally, he highlights how major payment processors and credit card companies are making it difficult to buy firearms. Vance calls this "insane," stating, "giving our biggest companies the right to dictate which rights American citizens are allowed to exercise. Yet the Biden administration won’t offer an ounce of push back. Indeed, they may even cheer as our multinational corporations tell Americans and Ohioans how to live their lives."

Vance’s concerns extend beyond just gun rights. He emphasizes that the alliance between government and big business poses a broader threat to American liberties. He points out that major credit card companies are making it increasingly difficult to purchase firearms. This corporate overreach sets a dangerous precedent where multinational corporations, with the tacit approval of the government, can dictate the rights and freedoms of American citizens.

"Unfortunately, the unholy alliance between government and business won’t stop at the Second Amendment. Eventually, they’ll come for other cherished American liberties, too," Vance warns. This highlights a critical issue: the encroachment on one right sets a precedent for the erosion of other rights. Vance’s stance is a call to vigilance against any form of overreach that threatens the foundational freedoms guaranteed to all Americans.

Senator J.D. Vance, now in the national spotlight as Donald Trump’s VP pick, embodies the fight for the Second Amendment and the broader battle against overreach. His positions align closely with our values at 80 Percent Arms, particularly his defense of ghost guns and criticism of corporate and federal encroachments on our rights. In Vance, we see a steadfast ally in the ongoing struggle to safeguard America’s constitutional freedoms. Vance’s commitment to resisting both federal and corporate overreach underscores the importance of protecting not just gun rights, but all constitutional liberties from any form of infringement.