US President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed doubts about whether Vice President JD Vance has what it takes to carry forward the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and emerge as the Republican Party’s standard-bearer in the 2028 presidential election.
According to a report by the New York Times, Trump has privately questioned Vance’s long-term political potential during conversations with aides and allies, despite publicly elevating him within his administration and positioning him as one of the leading contenders for the Republican nomination after his term.
The report claims that Trump has repeatedly posed a simple question to those around him: “Does JD Vance have what it takes to go all the way?” While asking the question, Trump is said to have expressed uncertainty about whether his vice president possesses the political instincts and appeal necessary to lead the MAGA movement into the future.
Trump Reportedly Compares Vance To His Own Political Rise
According to the report, Trump has often compared Vance’s political trajectory with his own. He has reportedly argued that Vance would not have won his Ohio Senate race without receiving Trump’s endorsement, a factor he believes played a decisive role in launching Vance’s national political career.
The report also states that Trump has privately criticised aspects of Vance’s public image and political style, including the number of vacations he takes, his social media activity, and his willingness to engage in public disputes with critics.
Rubio Also Mentioned As Possible Future GOP Leader
Adding to speculation about the Republican Party’s future leadership, the report claims Trump has been informally surveying allies about who they would prefer to lead the party after him — Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions reportedly reflect Trump’s ongoing interest in shaping the future direction of the Republican Party and identifying a successor capable of maintaining the MAGA coalition.
Iran Stance & Diplomatic Mission Reportedly Drew Scrutiny
The New York Times report further claims that Trump has referenced Vance’s initial opposition to military action against Iran and questioned the outcome of a diplomatic mission to Pakistan that was led by the vice president.
Trump is also said to have joked privately about an incident during a White House event in which Vance accidentally dropped Ohio State University’s national championship trophy, using it as another example while discussing his vice president.
Vance Remains A Top 2028 Contender
Despite the reported concerns, Trump continues to value Vance’s loyalty and has entrusted him with several high-profile assignments within the administration.
The report notes that Vance remains among the strongest potential Republican candidates for the 2028 presidential election. Trump’s continued reliance on him for key responsibilities suggests that, while questions may remain about his political future, the vice president is still viewed as a central figure in the next generation of MAGA leadership.
(The information is based on inputs from agencies)
