Vance's Faith Journey
Vice President JD Vance Releases New Book Exploring Faith Ten Years After 'Hillbilly Elegy'
Vice President JD Vance releases his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," on June 16, 2026 — exactly a decade after "Hillbilly Elegy" made him a household name. The 304-page memoir, priced at $35, chronicles his journey from near-atheism to a full Catholic conversion in 2019 HarperCollins.
Vance is promoting the book with a live appearance on "The View" — a show currently under federal scrutiny. The timing puts his publicity tour at the center of a high-stakes regulatory battle between the Trump administration and Disney Associated Press.
From Yale Atheist to Catholic Convert in 2019
Vance grew up with an informal, grandparent-led faith in Appalachian Ohio. By the time he reached Yale Law School, he had drifted into atheism. His conversion came quietly in August 2019, when he was baptized into the Catholic Church and chose St. Augustine as his patron saint National Catholic Register.
His wife Usha — a practicing Hindu — played a key role in pushing him back toward faith. Vance quotes her directly in the book: "Therapy didn't work for you; church does" CBS News. He told reporters, "The story of how I regained my faith only happened because I had lost it to begin with" Associated Press.
An $8 Million Book Deal Aimed at 2028 Voters
"Communion" follows "Hillbilly Elegy," which has sold over 5 million copies since 2016 HarperCollins. Reports suggest Vance's new deal was worth roughly $8 million Daily Express. Political analysts see the book as a strategic move — an "origin story" designed to appeal to moderate and religious voters ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.
On CBS Sunday Morning on June 14, Vance confirmed he will decide on a 2028 campaign after the 2026 midterms The Guardian. His current approval stands at 38% favorable and 49% unfavorable, according to Gallup polling.
The View Appearance Lands in a Federal Firestorm
Vance's scheduled appearance on "The View" is no ordinary book stop. The FCC ordered Disney-owned ABC stations in eight major markets to file early license renewals on April 28, 2026 Associated Press. Disney called the order "unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional" and filed its applications "under protest" on May 28 Reuters.
The FCC also opened a public comment period in May to decide whether "The View" qualifies as a "bona fide news interview program" TVTechnology. If it loses that status, ABC affiliates would have to give equal airtime to rival candidates every time a Democrat appears on the show. Telecommunications lawyer Andrew Schwartzman called the license review process a "Sword of Damocles" over ABC's editorial freedom The Guardian.
Retaliation or Accountability? Both Sides Dig In
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr says the agency is simply enforcing public interest rules. "No company is above the law, including Disney," he said Associated Press. His office cites concerns over ABC's DEI hiring practices as the trigger for the early review — not editorial content.
Critics reject that framing. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez calls the investigation "unconstitutional retaliation" meant to punish a network critical of President Trump LA Times. Some media observers note that Vance's appearance on "The View" may itself serve a purpose — showing the FCC that the show is willing to host Republicans, protecting its news-program exemption The Guardian.
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