Jacob Reses, the chief of staff to Vice President JD Vance, is leaving the Trump administration at the end of summer, according to people with knowledge of the vice president's plans. Reses informed Vance of his departure several months ago after his wife became pregnant with their first child.
Since taking the role in January 2025, Reses has become one of the most trusted figures in Vance's orbit. The vice president did not hold back in expressing his gratitude. "Jacob's been by my side for my whole career in public life," Vance said in a statement. "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."
Reses built his relationship with Vance during the vice president's successful 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio. Before that role, he worked for Heritage Action, the advocacy arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, and served as an aide to Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. He became a fixture on Vance's campaign plane after Trump selected Vance as his running mate in 2024, and was prominent enough that Vance offered a toast at his wedding in January.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles offered her own tribute, underscoring Reses' broad influence across the administration. "Jacob has been an important part of our White House leadership team and has served the Vice President with absolute distinction," Wiles said. "From diplomacy and war, to complicated matters, to the most minute logistics, there has been no task too big or too small for him to tackle."
The departing chief of staff earned praise from multiple corners of the Cabinet. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, like Vance a potential 2028 presidential contender, highlighted Reses' "intellect, leadership, and humor." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent credited him as "invaluable" in efforts to reshore industries and reshape economic policy. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche summed up Reses as "tough, smart, hardworking, and loyal."
Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, offered perhaps the most colorful assessment. "Don't let Jacob fool you," Witkoff said, alluding to Reses' reputation for staying out of the spotlight and avoiding press attention. "Beneath his kind exterior he's a killer. It's been a delight to get to know him through the Vice President, and our foreign adventures from Israel to Pakistan have been historic."
People close to the vice president suggested Reses' departure may not be permanent. One source noted it would be unsurprising if he returned to Vance's office at some point. Vance has maintained much of his core team from his Senate campaign as he has structured his White House operation, a sign of his loyalty to long-standing advisers.
Reses' exit marks another transition in Vance's office. He is at least the third senior staff member to leave or change roles recently, following departures by two deputy chiefs of staff and top lawyer Sean Cooksey, who moved to a lobbying and public affairs firm in February.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Reses' departure shows even the tightest inner circles face turnover, but his glowing send-off suggests he'll remain woven into Vance's political future."
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