JD Vance, the 40-year-old senator from Ohio, who took oath as the 50th Vice President of the United States, made history as the first to sport a beard since 1909. The last vice president with facial hair was Charles W. Fairbanks, who served under President Theodore Roosevelt. The last U.S. vice president to have facial hair was Charles Curtis, who served under President Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933, sporting a moustache. The last vice president to have a full beard was Charles W. Fairbanks, who served under President Theodore Roosevelt from 1905 to 1909.

A Historic Inauguration

The inauguration ceremony, held indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures, marked several notable firsts. At 78 years and seven months, President Donald Trump became the oldest individual to assume the presidency, surpassing the previous record held by Joe Biden. Vice President Vance, born in 1984, is also the first millennial to hold the office and the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history.

A Return to Facial Hair in Politics

Facial hair in U.S. executive offices has been absent for nearly a century. The last vice president to have a moustache was Charles Curtis, who served under President Herbert Hoover until 1933. No president has had facial hair since William Howard Taft, who sported a moustache during his term from 1909 to 1913.

Personal Background

Vance, author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy, gained national attention for his insights into the struggles of working-class Americans. Raised Protestant, he converted to Catholicism in 2019. His wife, Usha Vance, born to Indian immigrants, becomes the first Asian American Second Lady.

Political Significance

Vance’s rise from a venture capitalist and author to vice president underscores a shift in the Republican Party, embracing a more populist approach. His alignment with President Trump’s policies on trade, immigration, and foreign affairs reflects the administration’s focus on “America First” principles.

Looking Ahead

As Vice President, Vance is expected to play a significant role in shaping domestic policies, particularly those affecting the working class. His unique background and perspectives may influence the administration’s approach to economic and social issues in the coming years.