Vance's Aide Departs
Key Orthodox Jewish Advisor Jacob Reses Stepping Down as VP Vance's Chief of Staff
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Key Points
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Multiple reports describe Reses as an Orthodox Jewish adviser and say he was among the highest-ranking Orthodox Jews in the Trump administration, maintaining “strong ties to the Jewish community” while helping shape policy and political strategy.
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Senior officials publicly praised Reses: the reports cite praise from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
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A source close to the vice president’s office said Vance offered a toast at Reses’ wedding in January, adding that Reses also developed strong working relationships with senior White House staff and Trump administration officials.
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Diplomacy work abroad was highlighted by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who said Reses played a role in diplomatic efforts involving trips “involving Israel and other key international matters.”
Jacob Reses, Vice President JD Vance's chief of staff, will leave the Trump administration by the end of summer 2026, according to NBC News and Jewish Insider. Reses, 35, told Vance of his plans several months ago after his wife became pregnant with their first child.
Vance called Reses a "loyal and discerning advisor and friend" who has stood by him since his days as a senator-elect. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles praised him for handling everything from diplomacy to the vice president's daily operations, Washington Examiner reported.
A Long Partnership That Started in Ohio
Reses has worked with Vance since the 2022 Ohio Senate race, where he served as a key strategist. He then stayed on as Vance's chief of staff when the senator was elected, and moved into the White House when Vance became vice president in January 2025, Fox News Digital reported.
Before joining Vance, Reses worked at Heritage Action for America and on the staff of Senator Josh Hawley. He earned his law degree from Stanford in 2023. Jewish Insider described him as one of the highest-ranking Orthodox Jews in the Trump administration, with strong ties to the Jewish community.
Cabinet Officials Line Up to Praise Departing Aide
The praise for Reses has been unusually broad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche all issued statements highlighting his role in shaping inter-agency policy, according to VINnews.
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff called Reses a "killer" and credited him with helping negotiate key deals on trips involving Israel and other international matters. Vance also delivered a toast at Reses' wedding in January 2026, showing the depth of their personal bond, NBC News reported.
Reses Shaped Diplomacy From Israel to Pakistan
Beyond domestic policy, Reses played a hands-on role in foreign affairs. Between February and June 2026, he joined special envoy Steve Witkoff on diplomatic missions to Israel and Pakistan, according to Jewish Insider. His exit is expected to leave a gap in the vice president's foreign policy operation.
Analysts say Reses acted as a bridge between Vance's populist wing and the broader Trump administration. The Daily Beast described his departure as a "huge loss" for that role. His exit comes just as Vance is widely seen as the frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
What Comes Next for Vance and Reses
Vance now faces an informal deadline to find a replacement before the 2026 midterm cycle hits its peak this fall, AOL News reported. No successor has been named. Reses' future plans have not been announced publicly.
Despite leaving his government post, Reses is expected to stay close to Vance's orbit. NBC News and Political Wire both reported that he is likely to play a significant role in any future Vance presidential campaign. Officials described him as remaining influential in Republican politics and public policy.
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