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Vance vs. Rubio: Trump's jokes fuel 2028 succession speculation

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Donald Trump's recent jokes about Vice President JD Vance have fueled speculation about his 2028 presidential pick.
  • Vance is reportedly opposed to the ongoing war in Iran, creating a difficult situation as he is tasked with negotiating peace.
  • Trump appears to be enjoying the competition between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his potential endorsement.

Donald Trump's recent remarks, delivered with his characteristic humor, have intensified speculation about his preferred successor for the 2028 presidential election, particularly focusing on Vice President JD Vance. The former president's jokes, often at others' expense, have now turned towards his own vice president, suggesting a potential shift in his political calculus.

This way, if it works out, I'm going to take the credit. If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD. You better be careful, JD.

— Donald TrumpTrump joked about appointing Vance to negotiate peace in Iran, highlighting his strategy of claiming credit or assigning blame.

The context of Vance's involvement in the ongoing war in Iran adds a layer of complexity. Reports indicate Vance opposed the US decision to engage in the conflict, yet he has been appointed to negotiate a peace deal. This puts him in a precarious position, tasked with ending a war he reportedly did not support, a situation presidential historian Matthew Dallek describes as "excruciatingly difficult."

"He reportedly was opposed to the war, the only senior administration official to oppose it. But now he's stuck with the war because he's Trump's vice-president," Dallek explained. "So there is no world in which JD Vance can suddenly say, 'Oh, I was opposed to a policy before I was for it'."

JD Vance is in an excruciatingly difficult spot. He reportedly was opposed to the war, the only senior administration official to oppose it. But now he's stuck with the war because he's Trump's vice-president.

— Matthew DallekPresidential historian Matthew Dallek commented on the challenging position JD Vance faces regarding the Iran war.

Adding to the intrigue, Trump has also offered glowing reviews of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's diplomatic efforts. Trump himself seems to be relishing the emerging competition, engaging audiences by asking, "Who's it gonna be? Is it gonna be JD, is it gonna be somebody else? I don't know."

So there is no world in which JD Vance can suddenly say, 'Oh, I was opposed to a policy before I was for it'.

— Matthew DallekMatthew Dallek explained the difficulty for Vice President Vance in distancing himself from administration policies.

Trump's public musings, such as his quip about taking credit if Vance succeeds in Iran or blaming him if he fails, highlight his strategic use of public statements. "This way, if it works out, I'm going to take the credit," Trump quipped. "If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD. You better be careful, JD."

Who's it gonna be? Is it gonna be JD, is it gonna be somebody else? I don't know.

— Donald TrumpTrump engaged an audience about the potential Republican presidential candidates for 2028.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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