President Trump isn’t ready to say whether Vice President JD Vance will be his pick to carry the torch for the Republican Party in the 2028 election.
During an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, recorded ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, Trump, 78, was asked directly about Vance’s political future.
“Do you see Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?” Baier asked.
Trump didn’t commit.
“No, but he’s very capable,” Trump replied, before adding, “I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s too early. We’re just starting.”
Baier pressed further, noting that by the time midterm elections roll around, Vance will likely be seeking Trump’s endorsement.
Trump didn’t take the bait, instead shifting focus to his administration’s early successes.
“Many people have said that this has been the greatest opening—almost three weeks—in the history of the presidency,” he said.
The interview clip aired Monday afternoon, just as Vice President Vance, 40, arrived in France with his family for his first international trip in office.
Vance Takes on Foreign Policy
Vance is in Europe for a key diplomatic mission, beginning with an artificial intelligence summit in Paris before heading to the Munich Security Conference in Germany later this week. His role in foreign policy will likely shape his future political trajectory, particularly if he does have his sights set on a presidential bid down the line.
Trump’s reluctance to immediately endorse Vance may be a strategic move. Publicly anointing a successor now could shift attention away from his own presidency, while also highlighting the reality that, per the Constitution, he cannot serve beyond January 2029.
Trump has often joked about changing that rule, frequently musing about a third term. While those comments are typically made in jest, they serve as a reminder that he intends to maintain his influence long after leaving office.
Vance, among the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history, was Trump’s pick for the ticket last July—a choice largely driven by Donald Trump Jr.’s strong support.
Before stepping into the national spotlight, Vance was a U.S. senator from Ohio, a venture capitalist, and the author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir that was adapted into a Netflix film. His background and alignment with Trump’s populist agenda made him a natural fit for the administration.
However, history shows that sitting presidents don’t always back their vice presidents for the next election cycle. Barack Obama notably discouraged Joe Biden from running in 2016, instead paving the way for Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated campaign.
But as 2028 inches closer, Vance—like many others in the Republican Party—will be looking for Trump’s blessing. The question is, will he get it?
