Vice President JD Vance has emerged as a key figure in the Trump administration, playing a crucial role in solving complex problems and advancing the president’s agenda. According to a close Trump ally, Vance has been a “good fireman,” effectively handling high-stakes tasks and relying on his close ties to Trump and relationships across the GOP to manage relations on Capitol Hill and serve as an envoy to the president’s broader MAGA base.
Vance’s role has expanded significantly since joining the Trump ticket, with the vice president taking on a range of critical issues, including the Jeffrey Epstein case and the administration’s handling of the Epstein files. He has also been instrumental in defending Trump’s decision-making and advocating for the president’s policies, including a new massive domestic policy law.
The vice president’s increasing visibility has fueled speculation about his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential election. Trump has offered his strongest support yet, saying Vance is “most likely” the one best positioned to take up the mantle in 2028. While Trump stopped short of a full endorsement, allies and advisers within the administration believe Vance has already emerged as a clear early frontrunner.
Vance has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex issues, working closely with lawmakers and administration officials to advance Trump’s priorities. He has been involved in decision-making around key issues, including the Epstein case, and has served as a connective tissue between the White House and the broader GOP landscape.
The vice president’s relationships with lawmakers and influencers have also been critical in helping to quell outrage over the Justice Department’s decision not to release the full Epstein case files. Some prominent pro-Trump commentators have even begun referring to Vance as the “48th president,” highlighting his growing popularity within the MAGA base.
While Vance’s current standing appears strong, Trump allies acknowledge that the path ahead is far from certain. Vice presidents often face challenges balancing their support for the current president’s priorities with building their own profile for a potential presidential run. Additionally, Trump’s approval ratings continue to sink, which could impact Vance’s own prospects.
As one Trump ally noted, Vance’s standing can change “in a minute,” and there’s still a lot of time left in the game. For now, Vance’s focus remains on solving the White House’s increasingly difficult problems and advancing Trump’s agenda.