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JD Vance's Jewish chief of staff and confidant to leave role shortly

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Jacob Reses, chief of staff to Vice President JD Vance, will leave his post at the end of the summer.
  • Reses has been a close confidant to Vance since his 2022 Senate campaign and his departure comes after his wife's pregnancy.
  • Vance's relationship with Reses has faced scrutiny amid accusations that Vance has not confronted antisemitism within the right wing of the Republican party.

Jacob Reses, Vice President JD Vance's chief of staff and close confidant, is set to depart his role at the end of the summer, a source confirmed to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Reses has been a key figure in Vance's orbit since the vice president and President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, and their relationship dates back to Vance's 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio.

I will miss him dearly, but he won’t be far, and I plan to keep his counsel close until our paths cross again.

— JD VanceVance's statement on Jacob Reses' departure.

Vance stated that he will "miss him dearly" but expects Reses to remain a close advisor. Reses informed Vance of his decision months ago, citing his wife's pregnancy as a factor. His future plans remain unknown.

Reses has been by my side for my whole career in public life.

— JD VanceVance's statement on his relationship with Reses.

The departure occurs as Vance faces criticism from some Jewish Republicans for allegedly failing to confront antisemitism on the right, including from figures like Tucker Carlson. A recent profile suggested Reses aligned with Vance's approach, even amplifying voices that encouraged Jews to accept Christian nationalism within the GOP.

I can’t imagine having been on this life-changing journey without him.

— JD VanceVance's statement on his relationship with Reses.

Vance has publicly praised Reses, calling him "loyal and discerning" and a vital part of his "life-changing journey" in public life. Their personal bond was evident when Vance officiated Reses' wedding in January. However, Reses' proximity to Vance has also made him a target for antisemitic remarks, with one white-nationalist website publishing an article about him with a derogatory headline.

From day one of my time as a Senator-elect, I could not have asked for a more loyal and discerning advisor and friend as my chief of staff.

— JD VanceVance's statement on his relationship with Reses.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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