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Plus: Trump’s Unexpected Allies in Hollywood
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September 16, 2026

It’s Christmas in September: A new Chris Whipple profile just dropped. This time, VF’s resident Susie Wiles whisperer sets his sights on JD Vance, MAGA’s heir apparent. Though the vice president didn’t talk to Chris—not this time, anyway—everyone else did, from Tucker Carlson to Yale professor Amy Chua to several friends who have known Vance since his law school days. That era, the crucible that transformed Vance into the man he is now, is the focus of Chris’s inquiry. And the story is, of course, chock-full of fascinating insights, new details, and razor-sharp quotes like this one, from Republican strategist Mark McKinnon: “As much as you may hate Trump, it’s authentic. If you don’t like Rubio, Rubio’s Rubio. But with Vance, there’s not an ounce of authenticity. It’s just all made up. It’s all to please whoever the audience is. He’s the last guy you’d want in the foxhole.” Read it now.


Elsewhere, VF announces the new cast of the Spring Awakening revival, while Hollywood…praises a new move by Donald Trump? That doesn’t sound right. More tomorrow!


HILLARY BUSIS
FEATURES EDITOR

God and Vance at Yale

 

By Chris Whipple

Is JD Vance a craven political opportunist? A true believer in a post-Trump, MAGA agenda? Or is the presumptive 2028 GOP frontrunner waiting for the chance to be his own man? And what does his wife, Usha, think about it all? The answers may lie in Vance’s pivotal years at Yale Law. Chris Whipple returns to the school—and talks to the VP’s professor and mentor, “tiger mom” Amy Chua. Read more


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EXCLUSIVE

 

Spring Awakening’s New Cast, Revealed

 

By Juan A. Ramírez

 

Danya Taymor reveals the cast of up-and-comers bringing the Tony-winning musical back to life—and explains why a show about repressed teenagers discovering sexuality might be more relevant than ever. Read more

CULTURE

 

Zosia Mamet Isn’t Ready to Read Lena Dunham’s Famesick Yet

 

By Kase Wickman

 

OMG Obsessed, the Girls and Industry actor’s new podcast with Lemonada, premieres September 16. She tells Vanity Fair about the pod, what happens when her dad puts his foot in his mouth, and her most unfortunate obsession. Read more


Why this ad?

Trump Is Picking Up Some Unlikely Allies in Hollywood

 

By Maxwell Adler

 

After years of mutual antagonism, Hollywood leaders are praising Donald Trump as he throws his support behind the industry’s long-sought federal production tax incentive. Read more