\n\u201cJacob\u2019s been by my side for my whole career in public life,\u201d Vance said in a statement first shared with NBC News. \u201cI can\u2019t 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. I\u2019ll miss him dearly, but he won\u2019t be far, and I plan to keep his counsel close until our paths cross again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The departure marks a significant change inside the vice president\u2019s office. Reses has been one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Vance\u2019s political rise, helping guide his successful 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio before remaining at his side during Vance\u2019s ascent to the vice presidency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prior to joining Vance\u2019s team, Reses worked for Heritage Action, the advocacy arm affiliated with the conservative Heritage Foundation, and later served on the staff of Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). He became a familiar presence during the 2024 presidential campaign after Trump selected Vance as his running mate, frequently accompanying the vice president on the campaign trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NBC News reported that Reses developed strong relationships throughout the administration and earned praise from senior White House officials and Cabinet members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cJacob has been an important part of our White House leadership team and has served the Vice President with absolute distinction,\u201d White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told NBC News. \u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Reses\u2019 \u201cintellect, leadership, and humor,\u201d while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described him as \u201cinvaluable\u201d in advancing the administration\u2019s economic agenda. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called Reses \u201ctough, smart, hardworking, and loyal \u2014 the perfect combination to succeed in the Trump White House.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff also highlighted Reses\u2019 role in several high-profile diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t let Jacob fool you \u2014 beneath his kind exterior he\u2019s a killer,\u201d Witkoff told NBC News. \u201cIt\u2019s been a delight to get to know him through the Vice President, and our foreign adventures from Israel to Pakistan have been historic.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Reses\u2019 departure comes amid broader personnel changes within the vice president\u2019s office. NBC News noted that Vance has already cycled through two deputy chiefs of staff since taking office, while top legal adviser Sean Cooksey departed earlier this year to join a lobbying and public affairs firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the planned exit, sources close to Vance told NBC News that Reses is expected to remain closely connected to the vice president and could potentially return to the office in some capacity in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Vance continues to emerge as one of the most prominent figures in the Republican Party \u2014 and a potential contender for the 2028 presidential nomination \u2014 the loss of one of his most trusted advisers will be closely watched both inside the administration and among conservative political circles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n