A New York Times report claims Donald Trump has privately compared JD Vance with Marco Rubio while weighing who could eventually shape the Republican Party’s future.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a public appearance. A New York Times report claims Trump has privately questioned whether Vance can eventually lead the MAGA movement. | File Photo/ANI
Even as US Vice President JD Vance continues to emerge as a prominent face of the Republican Party’s future, President Donald Trump has privately expressed uncertainty about whether his deputy has what it takes to eventually lead the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, according to a report by The New York Times.
The report sheds light on growing behind-the-scenes discussions about the future leadership of Trump’s political movement as Republicans look beyond his presidency. While Vance is widely viewed as a potential contender for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination, the newspaper said Trump has repeatedly voiced reservations about his long-term political prospects in conversations with aides and allies.
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According to the report, Trump has frequently posed a question to people in his inner circle: whether Vance has the ability to “go all the way” politically. The newspaper said the president has often followed up by acknowledging that he remains unconvinced.
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The report said Trump has privately compared Vance with Secretary of State Marco Rubio while discussing the future direction of the Republican Party. He has reportedly sought informal feedback from political allies on who would be better placed to lead the party in the years ahead.
Such conversations have fuelled fresh speculation over who could ultimately inherit the political movement built around Trump’s brand and influence.
The New York Times also reported that Trump believes Vance’s successful Ohio Senate bid was heavily dependent on his endorsement, raising further questions in the president’s mind about whether the vice president possesses the political strength to independently command the MAGA base.
Beyond electoral considerations, the report detailed a series of complaints Trump has allegedly made about Vance in private settings.
The report also pointed to policy disagreements, including Vance’s early hesitation over military action against Iran. Trump was also reportedly unhappy with the outcome of a diplomatic outreach effort led by the vice president in Pakistan, which failed to deliver a breakthrough.
The report also cited more personal criticisms, including Trump’s frustration over what he sees as Vance’s frequent interruptions during meetings and the amount of time he spends on holidays.
According to the newspaper, Trump has continued to joke about an incident in which Vance accidentally dropped Ohio State University’s national championship trophy during a White House event, reportedly telling associates that he was relieved he was not the one responsible for the mishap.
The report further claimed that Trump has been unhappy with Vance’s tendency to engage critics online, viewing such exchanges as unworthy of the vice president’s office.
Despite the reported criticism, The New York Times said Trump continues to place significant value on Vance’s loyalty and remains closely involved with him on major political and policy decisions.
White House officials, meanwhile, rejected suggestions of tensions between the two leaders. They maintained that Vance remains one of the most influential vice presidents in recent American political history and continues to enjoy the president’s confidence and trust.
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