The 'Traitorous' Now-GOP Congressman Who Called for Trashing of the Peace Vigil

 Here are 20 critically sourced facts about Congressman Jeff Van Drew that many have found controversial or troubling—grounded in reputable reporting and records:

1. Switched parties for political survival

Van Drew, originally elected as a Democrat in 2018, switched to the Republican Party in December 2019 immediately after opposing Donald Trump’s impeachment—a move widely seen as a calculated strategy to save his seat in a Trump-leaning district.WikipediaVanity Fair

2. Staff resigned in protest

Following news of his impending party switch, eight staffers, two advisers, and his entire re-election campaign team resigned, citing a betrayal of their values.Vanity FairAxios

3. Pledged “undying support” to Trump

Van Drew declared his “undying support” for Trump once he switched parties, demonstrating complete allegiance.WikipediaThe Guardian

4. Aided by Trump’s endorsement

Trump quickly endorsed Van Drew, even holding a rally in South Jersey that highlighted his alignment with Trump’s agenda.The GuardianAxios

5. Broke with Democrats on impeachment votes

He was one of only two Democrats to vote against formalizing the impeachment inquiry (Oct 31, 2019) and against both articles of impeachment in December 2019.TIMEWikipedia

6. Supported overturning the 2020 election results

Van Drew signed an amicus brief in Texas v. Pennsylvania, challenging the 2020 election results.Wikipedia

7. Objected to certifying the 2020 election

On January 6, 2021, he joined 146 other Republican lawmakers in objecting to certifying Joe Biden’s election—despite the violent Capitol attack.Wikipedia

8. Opposed investigation into Jan 6 attack

He voted against establishing a congressional committee to investigate the January 6 insurrection.insurrectionexposed.org

9. Denied Trump had responsibility

A year after the insurrection, Van Drew continued denying Trump's responsibility and emphasized Trump’s use of the word “peaceful” during his rally.insurrectionexposed.org

10. Reversed earlier support for voting reforms

Although he voted for voter protection legislation (H.R. 1) in 2019, he opposed it in 2021—drawing criticism for the reversal.insurrectionexposed.org

11. Opposed removing extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene

He voted against removing Rep. Greene from committee assignments after her extremist statements.Wikipedia

12. Supported ousting Liz Cheney

Van Drew backed efforts to remove Liz Cheney from GOP leadership, signaling alignment with the Trump-aligned faction.Wikipedia

13. Supported Medicaid cuts—despite prior opposition

He voted for a 2025 bill that significantly cut Medicaid funding, despite previously signing a letter opposing such reductions. The bill also included tax benefits potentially favorable to him.Wikipedia

14. Opposed Ukraine aid and NATO expansion

Van Drew voted against supplemental aid to Ukraine and opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO.Wikipedia

15. Withdrew from offshore wind caucus after change in stance

Though once a co-chair, he left the bipartisan Offshore Wind Caucus in 2024 and collaborated with Trump in 2025 to freeze offshore wind projects—arguing they harm whales.Wikipedia

16. Mixed record on LGBTQ+ rights

He initially supported same-sex marriage legislation in 2022 but ultimately voted against the final passage. He also co-sponsored religiously based nondiscrimination legislation and backed parental consent education bills.Wikipedia

17. Inconsistent abortion positions

Initially expressed support for Roe v. Wade, but after its overturning, declared support for letting states decide—even though he had previously expressed pro-choice views.Wikipedia

18. Pro-gun with NRA backing

He holds a 100% rating from the NRA, opposed same-sex marriage, and voted against raising New Jersey’s minimum wage—stances typical of conservative agendas he had previously opposed as a Democrat.WikipediaThe Guardian

19. Criticized by local Democrats as traitorous

In the Guardian, one protester said Van Drew “sold his soul,” reflecting a deep sense of betrayal felt by his former supporters.The Guardian

20. A symbol of political opportunism

His defection illustrates partisan survival over principles—a textbook example of politics of convenience.Vanity FairTIME

Summary

These facts paint a portrait of a lawmaker who—through a dramatic political shift—aligned himself with Trump-era priorities, siding against his own party on key democratic institutions, climate policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and social welfare. Critics argue he consistently placed personal political preservation ahead of prior commitments and voter trust.

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