Donald Trump Jr ‘Over the Moon’ with JD Vance’s Performance, MAGA Eyes VP for 2028
Trump Jr Backs Vance as the Future of the GOP
Donald Trump Jr., who strongly advocated for JD Vance as his father’s running mate, is now thrilled with how things are unfolding. Despite Donald Trump not explicitly naming Vance as his successor, he acknowledged Vance’s strong capabilities.
- Many Republicans believe that Vance’s rise in the party makes his 2028 nomination inevitable.
- According to Axios, Trump Jr. is “over the moon” with Vance’s current performance, feeling vindicated in his choice.
Vance Gains Influence Among GOP Donors
Vance has earned respect from major Republican donors, strengthening his standing within the party. His recent appointment as finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) further boosts his fundraising advantage.
- Key financial backers in Trump’s circle see Vance as a valuable asset for the party’s future.
- If the GOP performs well in the 2026 elections, and he remains in Trump’s good graces, he could become the clear frontrunner for 2028.
GOP Strategists Already See Vance as the 2028 Nominee
Some Republican strategists consider Vance’s nomination a foregone conclusion. Dennis Lennox, a GOP strategist, told the New York Post that having primaries would be a waste of resources.
- He even suggested that the RNC should cancel the 2028 primaries, predicting that Vance would dominate the race.
- If he secures the nomination, Vance could face Mike Pompeo or Nikki Haley in the primaries and potentially go up against Democrats like Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, or Josh Shapiro in the general election.
Vance Seen as the Future of the America First Movement
Vance has earned praise from Trump-aligned conservatives, positioning himself as a leading voice of the MAGA movement. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Indiana), a close Trump ally, told Axios that Vance is the future of America First politics.
- Banks described Vance as someone who has “already proven himself”, reinforcing his strong MAGA credentials.
- Vance’s policy positions and loyalty to Trump’s agenda make him a natural successor in the eyes of many within the party.
Vance: The “Brainy” Version of MAGA
Despite a dip in approval ratings after his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vance’s influence in the party continues to grow. Some within the GOP view him as a more intellectual version of MAGA, according to an Axios analysis.
- His Yale education and best-selling author background give him a unique appeal compared to other MAGA figures.
- His long-form policy discussions on social media, such as 20-paragraph posts on X, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to political discourse.
As the 2028 election cycle approaches, Vance’s standing in the Republican Party appears to be stronger than ever.
