Fact Check: JD Vance was a natural born incel who got taken in by Opus Dei which allowed him to access the highest ranks in US government

The Claim: "JD Vance was a natural born incel who got taken in by Opus Dei which allowed him to access the highest ranks in US government"

Introduction

The claim suggests that JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, was inherently an "incel" (involuntary celibate) and that his association with Opus Dei, a Catholic organization, facilitated his rise to high political office. This assertion combines elements of personal characterization with allegations of influence from a religious group, raising questions about the veracity and motivations behind such claims.

What We Know

1. JD Vance's Background: JD Vance, born James David Vance on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, is a politician, author, and Marine Corps veteran. He served as the 50th Vice President of the United States, having previously been a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 2023 to 2025 35.

2. Opus Dei: Opus Dei is a personal prelature of the Catholic Church that emphasizes the pursuit of holiness in everyday life. It has been associated with various political figures, particularly those who identify with conservative Catholicism 710.

3. Vance's Religious Conversion: Vance converted to Catholicism, reportedly influenced by conservative Catholic intellectuals and clergy connected to Opus Dei. This conversion has been noted in various articles, including those from New York Magazine and Daily Kos 78.

4. Political Ideology: Vance is described as a national conservative and right-wing populist, often aligning with the ideologies of the postliberal right 4.

5. Incel Label: The term "incel" refers to individuals, typically men, who feel unable to attract romantic partners despite desiring them. There is no credible evidence or documentation to support the claim that Vance identifies as an incel or has ever publicly expressed such sentiments.

Analysis

The claim that JD Vance was a "natural born incel" lacks substantiation and appears to be an opinion rather than a fact. The characterization of Vance as an incel may stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of his personal life, as there is no public record or credible source that supports this label. Furthermore, the term itself carries significant social stigma and is often used pejoratively, which raises questions about the motivations behind its application to Vance.

The assertion that Opus Dei "allowed" Vance to access high political ranks is also problematic. While Vance's conversion to Catholicism and his connections with conservative Catholic circles are documented, the extent to which Opus Dei has influenced his political career remains speculative. Sources discussing Vance's ties to Opus Dei often do so in a context that suggests influence rather than direct control or facilitation of his political ascent 79.

The reliability of the sources discussing Vance's alleged incel status is questionable. Many of them are opinion pieces or speculative articles that do not provide concrete evidence. For example, the New York Magazine article discusses Vance's connections to Opus Dei but does not substantiate claims of him being an incel 7. Similarly, the Daily Kos article speculates on Vance's relationships without providing direct evidence 8.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that JD Vance was a "natural born incel" who was taken in by Opus Dei to access high political ranks is unsupported by credible evidence. The characterization of Vance as an incel lacks any substantiation, as there are no credible sources or public statements from Vance that would indicate he identifies with this label. Furthermore, while Vance's conversion to Catholicism and his connections to Opus Dei are documented, the assertion that this organization facilitated his political rise is speculative and not grounded in factual evidence.

It is important to recognize that the term "incel" carries significant social implications and is often used in a derogatory manner, which raises concerns about the motivations behind its application to individuals without clear evidence. Additionally, the sources discussing Vance's alleged incel status are primarily opinion pieces or speculative articles, which limits their reliability.

Readers should be aware that while the evidence reviewed does not support the claim, the nature of political discourse often involves speculation and opinion. Therefore, it is crucial to critically evaluate information and seek out credible sources when assessing claims about public figures.

Sources

1. Vice President JD Vance - White House. Link
2. Meet Vice President JD Vance - U.S. Embassy in Montenegro. Link
3. JD Vance - Wikipedia. Link
4. Political positions of JD Vance - Wikipedia. Link
5. JD Vance - Simple English Wikipedia. Link
6. Opinion | JD Vance, D.E.I. Candidate - The New York Times. Link
7. Opus Dei’s Mission to Convert D.C. Powers Like J.D. Vance - New York Magazine. Link
8. Opus Dei, the Supreme Court and J. D. Vance: a speculation - Daily Kos. Link
9. Opus Dei and JD Vance - mgr.org. Link
10. J.D. Vance, other converts - Opus Dei today. Link