VP JD Vance Unrelated: 'Name Match' in Threat Case
JD Vance at the 2024 NYC 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public domain.
When you hear the name JD Vance, you might immediately think of the vice president. But in early 2025, a very different JD Vance made headlines for all the wrong reasons. James Donald Vance Jr., a 67-year-old man from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after making chilling threats against President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump Jr. on social media. The case is a striking example of how online rhetoric can cross dangerous lines — and how the law responds when threats target the nation's highest officials.
Same Name, Different Story
The confusion starts with the name. James Donald Vance Jr. shares his initials and last name with Vice President JD Vance, whose full name is James David Vance according to most sources — although according to the New York Post, the vice president's birth name was originally James Donald Bowman before being changed to James David Vance.
Beyond the name coincidence, the two men are unrelated. The vice president prefers to go by JD, while the man behind the threats used the online handle "DiaperJDV" on the social media platform Bluesky. This shared name added an extra layer of intrigue to an already alarming case.
The Threats That Sparked a Federal Case
In March and April 2025, James Donald Vance Jr. posted a series of messages on Bluesky that quickly caught the attention of federal authorities. One of his most alarming posts declared that if President Trump, Vice President Vance, or Elon Musk ever came to his city again, they would leave "in a body bag," as reported by PEOPLE. He went on to say he didn't care if he was shot by the Secret Service, or spent the rest of his life in prison, adding, "only got about 10 years of life left anyway so I don't f---ing care either way."
The threats didn't stop there. In a separate post, Vance Jr. targeted Donald Trump Jr., stating he would "murder that stupid f—ker before he gets secret service protection," as reported by the New York Post. This comment appeared to be a reaction to rumors of Trump Jr. considering a presidential run in 2028.
Additionally, according to the Detroit Free Press, Vance Jr. posted a photo of a firearm on Bluesky in February 2025, which prosecutors cited as evidence that he was capable of acting on his threats.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Federal law takes threats against the president, vice president, and other protected officials very seriously. James Donald Vance Jr. pled guilty to two felony charges: threatening to kill or injure the president and vice president, and interstate threatening communications. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Despite prosecutors initially recommending a sentence between 30 and 37 months, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney sentenced Vance Jr. to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The judge's decision came after considering a defense argument that Vance Jr. was a first-time offender with serious physical and mental health issues, and that his statements were rhetoric rather than concrete plans.
What Motivated the Threats?
One of the most curious aspects of this case is what drove Vance Jr. to make such bold and violent threats. In his posts, he expressed a fatalistic attitude, saying he had only about 10 years left to live and didn't care about the consequences of his actions. This sense of disregard for his own future seemed to fuel his willingness to make extreme statements online.
His public defender described him as someone with a history of mental health challenges and no prior criminal record, suggesting that his threats were more about venting frustration than plotting actual violence. Still, the law does not take such threats lightly, especially when they target the nation's leaders.
The Broader Context: Rising Online Threats
While this case stands out due to the name confusion and the high-profile targets, it is part of a broader trend of increasing online threats against public officials. Law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in such threats, often fueled by political tensions and the anonymity of social media platforms. The U.S. Secret Service has emphasized that threats against protectees will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
What You Should Know
If you're wondering how the law treats threats like these, it's important to understand that threatening the president or vice president is a federal crime under U.S. Code Title 18, Section 871. The statute is designed to protect the safety of the nation's leaders and maintain the integrity of the government. Even online threats, if credible, can lead to serious legal consequences.
James Donald Vance Jr.'s case is a reminder that words, especially threats, have power — and that the justice system is vigilant in protecting public officials from harm. It also highlights the strange intersection of identity and notoriety when two men with the same name find themselves linked by a criminal case.
Final Thoughts
The story of James Donald Vance Jr. is a cautionary tale about the dangers of online threats and the serious repercussions they can bring. It also sparks curiosity about the man behind the posts — what led him to such extreme rhetoric, and how mental health and personal circumstances play into these incidents.
For Vice President JD Vance, the case is an unfortunate footnote in a year marked by political challenges and public scrutiny. For the rest of us, it's a stark reminder to think twice before posting anything that could be interpreted as a threat, especially when it involves the highest offices in the land.
If you ever find yourself tempted to vent online, remember this story — and the two years James Donald Vance Jr. will spend behind bars for crossing a line that no one should ever cross.
References: VP JD Vance Threatened by Man Also Named JD Vance Who Will Now Serve Prison Time | James Donald Vance sentenced for social media threats to Trump, Vance | Man named JD Vance sent to prison for threatening to kill VP, Trump
