Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance's selection by Donald Trump has sparked a mix of reactions and challenges for the Trump campaign. Vance, who once criticized Trump, now openly jokes about the former president, showing a lighter side to their partnership. The unexpected withdrawal of Joe Biden from the presidential race and his endorsement of Kamala Harris has left Trump's campaign scrambling to adjust its strategy, originally tailored to beat Biden. Vance's selection, initially seen as a move to solidify the base, is now being second-guessed by some within the GOP. Controversially, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested Vance is controlled by the CIA and criticized Trump for filling his administration with corporate lobbyists. Despite these challenges, Vance remains publicly loyal, dismissing chants for a 2028 run and focusing on the current election.