Is J.D. Vance the favourite for the 2028 election? Trump has his doubts
In private conversations with aides and allies, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the question of whether J.D. Vance is capable of going all the way to the presidency. According to those he has spoken to, Trump often answers this question himself, noting that he is not sure, reports the NYTimes.
Despite these doubts, the president continues to actively involve Vance in important decision-making, provides him with public opportunities to strengthen his political standing ahead of the 2028 election, and relies on him in political confrontations with opponents.
During one cabinet meeting, Trump compared the vice-president to Eliot Ness for his work in uncovering fraud in states predominantly controlled by Democrats.
Among his inner circle, Trump regularly compares Vance to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asks those he speaks to who they consider the stronger candidate for future party leadership.
The President also reminded his allies that Vance had not won difficult election campaigns without his support. In particular, Trump mentioned his role in Vance’s victory in the Ohio Senate election.
Furthermore, the president drew attention to the vice-president’s holidays, his initial reluctance to support the war with Iran, and the decision to send a delegation led by Vance to negotiations in Pakistan, which failed to bring the conflict to an end.
Trump and Vance differ significantly in terms of generation and political style.
The President grew up in a wealthy family in New York and favours a luxurious lifestyle. Vance, by contrast, has built his political image on the story of his own difficult childhood in the Midwest.
The White House has also taken note of the Vice-President’s activity on social media. According to sources, Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles and other officials advised Vance to take a break from online discussions with critics.
Despite some differences, Vance demonstrates what Trump values most: loyalty.
The Vice-President has backed the President’s actions regarding the war with Iran, although he had previously expressed reservations about this conflict. He also actively defends the administration’s policies against criticism.
According to Tony Fabrizio, Trump’s long-time pollster, it was Vance’s ability to champion the America First agenda on a daily basis that was one of the reasons he was chosen as the vice-presidential candidate in 2024.
To secure the Republican nomination in 2028, Vance must retain Trump’s support and win over various factions within the party.
At the same time, he is already facing criticism from some conservatives over his support for the war with Iran and his involvement in political disputes surrounding Pope Leo XIV.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has stated that, should he run for president, Vance would struggle to regain the trust of Republicans who oppose the war.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is considered one of the potential Democratic candidates for 2028, has accused Vance of exaggerating his working-class background and presenting himself as a native of the Appalachians.
Last year, Trump named Vance as his most likely political successor, but at the same time stressed that it was too early to talk about a future presidential campaign.
Recently, the president has also spoken positively about Marco Rubio’s work and noted that he is impressed by his performance as Secretary of State.
During a dinner in the White House Rose Garden, Trump asked guests whom they supported more, J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio, whilst not expressing support for either of them.
In a recent interview, the president emphasised that the question of his political successor is of great importance.
“Whoever gets this, it will be very important. And if you get the wrong person, it will be a disaster,” Trump said.
Currently, Vance’s allies believe that he remains the best-prepared contender to succeed Trump’s political movement. At the same time, the president continues to indicate that he has not yet made a final decision regarding the future leader of the Republican Party.
