Can Vance lead Maga after Trump? Potus casts doubts on VP's potential: Report

As the Republicans contemplate the future of the party after US President Donald Trump's tenure ends, reports are emerging that the American Commander-in-Chief is privately expressing reservations about the capabilities of his Vice President, JD Vance, to lead Maga.

Citing aides and officials privy to the discussion, the New York Times reported that Trump is sceptical whether Vance has the calibre to lead his Make America Great Again (MAGA) political movement after his time in office comes to an end in 2028.

The report stated that Trump has repeatedly raised his doubts about Vance's political future despite the fact that the latter has been involved in major decisions. The doubts are coming at a time when many of the members of the Republican Party are positioning Vance as the leading contender for its 2028 pick.

More from United States

Trump's complicated ties with Vance

The report reflected that Trump has complicated ties with his vice president. It pointed out that while the American leader often lauds Vance for his loyalty, he openly criticises and mocks him over policy decisions, political performance and even personal habits.

According to the NYT, Trump frequently asked his team: "Does JD Vance have what it takes to go all the way?" The report went on to state that the president often went on to answer this question by himself, insisting that he is not entirely convinced about Vance's leadership capabilities.

Apart from this, the business-mogul-turned politician is reportedly conducting informal straw polls among political allies, questioning whether they would prefer Vance or US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the Republican pick for 2028.

The comparison has sparked speculation about whether Trump prefers Rubio over Vance as his successor. Sources also told the NYT that Trump repeatedly argued that Vance would not have won his Ohio Senate race without his endorsement. He also questioned whether the Vice President had the political strength to lead Maga into a post-Trump era.

As per the report, Trump has been critical of Vance's initial resistance to deploying military action against Iran, alongside a failed diplomatic mission to Pakistan that was unable to meet its intended goals. Trump also reportedly called out Vance over the number of holidays he takes and his tendency to interrupt conversations during meetings.

Sources noted that Trump has also been annoyed by Vance's digital presence. While he remains active on his social media platform TruthSocial, Trump reportedly views Vance's online arguments with critics as beneath the office of vice president.

Soon after the reports started to stir online, White House officials dismissed suggestions of a rift, insisting that Vance remains one of the most empowered vice presidents in modern US history and continues to enjoy Trump's trust.