Jacob Reses Resigns as JD Vance’s Chief of Staff

At the close of the summer, Jacob Reses will leave his position as chief of staff to Vice‑President JD Vance. Reses, who has been a central figure in Vance’s political rise since the successful 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio, planned the departure after a discussion with the Vice‑President about personal matters, notably his wife’s pregnancy.

Reses’ tenure began when Vance announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, and the duo’s partnership persisted through the transition to the White House. Prior to joining Vance’s Senate team, Reses built experience on the campaign trail and with conservative causes, working for Heritage Action and Senate Majority Leader Josh Hawley. He not only served on the campaign’s flight crew but also forged a close relationship with senior White House staff, earning praise from the administration’s chief of staff and Cabinet members.

The Vice‑President honored the professional relationship in a statement shared with NBC News, noting, “Jacob has been by my side for my whole career in public life. I can’t imagine having been on this life‑changing journey without him. 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.” Chairman Susie Wiles echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Reses’ contribution to diplomacy, war‑time strategy, and logistics. Cabinet members—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche—also lauded his intellect, leadership, and competence.

Over the course of the administration, Reses balance between high‑level strategy and behind‑the‑scenes work. He played a role in reshoring critical industries and promoting a shift from consumption‑driven to production‑focused economic policy. Moreover, his understated presence has earned admiration from foreign policy figures such as special envoy Ryan Witkoff, who credited Reses with contributing to historic negotiations across the Middle East.

While Reses’ next career steps remain uncertain, sources close to Vice‑President Vance suggest that his departure may not be permanent. “We haven’t seen the last of him,” one source said, adding that Reses could return as a staffer or in another capacity in the future.

Vance’s decision to keep a core group of trusted staff from his Senate campaign has continued since taking office. The Vice‑President has seen several deputy chiefs of staff and other senior roles change hands, yet Reses’ move underscores the shifting dynamics within White House operations.

The resignation comes amid a broader context of personnel movements in the Trump administration, including the recent departure of top lawyer Sean Cooksey to a lobbying firm.

Reses’ exit highlights the evolving nature of political staffing and promises continued collaboration between him and Vice‑President John Degnan Vance. As the White House looks to the future, the focus remains on maintaining a cohesive leadership structure while adapting to new challenges.