J.D. Vance, a Republican US senator from Ohio and former vice president pick of ex-President Donald Trump, has a public Venmo account that sheds light on his extensive network of connections with establishment GOP figures, wealthy financiers, tech executives, media personalities, and fellow Yale Law School alumni. This comes as a surprise, considering Vance’s public stance against elites. A detailed analysis of Vance’s Venmo account and his network of friends reveals some unexpected and unusual connections. The information exposed by this peer-to-peer payment app has raised concerns among experts about potential stalking, trolling, and impersonation risks.
Over 200 people are listed as Vance’s friends on Venmo, including individuals like Amalia Halikias from the Heritage Foundation, an assistant US attorney for the Southern District of New York, lobbyists, journalists, tech executives, and more. Notably, Vance’s connections also include figures like Jeff Flake, a former anti-Trump senator, and Gladden Pappin, associated with the far-right intellectual wing. Lanny Davis, a political operative, has denied being Venmo friends with Vance, despite appearing in Vance’s contacts, highlighting the complexities of these online connections.
When someone signs up for Venmo, the app prompts them to allow access to their phone contacts, which automatically populates their friend list with existing users. While being Venmo friends doesn’t necessarily mean two people have transacted or are acquainted, the public nature of these lists can reveal personal connections. Vance’s account was discovered by a researcher and verified by WIRED through various sources, including his wife and individuals linked to the film adaptation of his memoir.
Despite Vance’s anti-elite rhetoric, his Venmo connections paint a more nuanced picture of his relationships with establishment figures and far-right activists. As Trump named Vance his vice-presidential pick and distanced himself from Project 2025, Vance’s network showcases ties to individuals associated with this controversial initiative. While Vance’s office declined to comment, his network of friends reflects a diverse group with various affiliations.
The exposure of Vance’s account raises concerns about privacy and security risks for those connected to him. Venmo’s permissive privacy settings have drawn criticism, with past incidents involving government officials like Sean Spicer and Matt Gaetz facing public scrutiny over their Venmo activities. Privacy advocates have called for tighter controls on Venmo’s default settings to protect user information from potential threats like social engineering attacks and impersonation.
In conclusion, the revelation of J.D. Vance’s public Venmo account underscores the complexities of online networks and the potential risks associated with sharing personal data on social platforms. As technology continues to evolve, individuals in the public eye must be mindful of their digital footprint and take steps to safeguard their privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
