In the corridors of power in Washington, serious intrigues are brewing. Donald Trump, traditionally confident in his intuition, has begun to seriously doubt whether his current Vice President, JD Vance, is capable of worthy continuing his political legacy. As The New York Times discovered, the question of a successor for 2028 is open again, and the answer may be quite different from what supporters expect.
Focus Groups in the Oval Office
Trump has never been a proponent of public admissions of uncertainty, but in private conversations with his inner circle, he increasingly asks himself: is the 41-year-old Vance ready for the role of party leader? This is not just rhetoric. The President is conducting a sort of "focus groups," suggesting to allies that his running mate may lack the charisma and experience to run the country alone.
Vance is certainly a trusted figure for Trump, but in the eyes of the President, he remains a "project manager" rather than a "leader of the nation." Trump does not hide the fact that Vance has never won an election without his direct support, constantly comparing their career trajectories.
Details That Matter
For Trump, obsessed with image, the little things matter. On the list of Vance's "minuses" are not only his frequent vacations (while Trump works without breaks) but also a curious incident on the South Lawn of the White House, where the Vice President dropped an American football trophy. According to sources, these moments undermine the image of a "strong leader" in the eyes of the President.
Trump is particularly irritated by Vance's style of communication on social media. While Trump uses Truth Social for loud statements, Vance often spends time answering critics and engaging in squabbles in the comments. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has already advised the Vice President to refrain from such actions, considering them unworthy of a high office.
The Shadow of Marco Rubio
Vance is not the only contender for the role of successor. Marco Rubio, serving as Secretary of State, spends significantly more time with Trump, often accompanying him on trips and vacations in Florida. Unlike Vance, Rubio has the opportunity to build closer personal relationships with the President, which in politics is often more important than formal positions.
Early in May, Trump directly put dinner guests in the Rose Garden to a choice: who is better, Vance or Rubio? At the same time, he made it clear that neither of them is currently an unambiguous favorite.
The Risk of Catastrophe
In an interview with Fortune magazine, Trump warned about the risks of choosing "the wrong person," calling it a potential catastrophe. Vance, observing this conversation from behind the President, found himself in the spotlight, but it is unclear whether this will work in his favor or against him. For now, the question of who will lead the Republican Party after Trump remains open, and the stakes in this game are the future of the entire party.