UC expert weighs in on Trump's VP pick
David Niven says J.D. Vance’s support of Trump is opportunity based
In an Enquirer column by opinion intern Meredith Perkins, University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven refers to Senator J.D. Vance (OH) as “a weak-willed order taker."
Perkins writes extensively on the many times she recalls Vance disparaging Trump as a presidential candidate to now reversing his opinion— when Vance might get the V.P. nod — and propping Trump up.
Niven, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and well-known political commentator, tells Perkins he sees Vance’s change of heart as jockeying for position.
"J.D. Vance is − first, last, and always − an opportunist," Niven said in the article, adding: "He thought that Trump would be an electoral disaster in 2016, so he denounced him and positioned himself for a place leading the new Republican Party that would emerge after Trump. When that turned out not to happen, he simply pretended to believe something else."
A trusted media source, Niven teaches American politics and conducts research on campaigns, political communication and death penalty policy at SPIA.
SPIA was created out of the former Department of Political Science, which dates to 1914, and political scientists there are often sought out by media to contribute their expertise.
Featured photo of Niven by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Colorado silica dust trial could change the way industry does business
May 17, 2026
Betsy Malloy, Andrew Katsanis Professor of Law, at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with Bloomberg Law about how a Colorado trial could change the way the stone fabrication industry does business.
A jolly good trip: Bearcats take on London for fragrance company
May 15, 2026
Six NEXT Innovation Scholars at the University of Cincinnati traveled to London to transform field research into actionable recommendations for British luxury bath, body and fragrance brand Molton Brown.
UC Blue Ash celebrates top students and recognizes Honor Student of the Year
May 14, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College recently hosted a special event that celebrated students for exceptional achievements during the 2025-26 academic year. The honorees included academic award winners, student engagement award winners, Latin Honors graduates, and the 2026 UC Blue Ash College Honor Student of the Year.