JD Vance: ‘despicable toady for Trump’ – and 2028 candidate in all but name

JD Vance has moved quickly from outsider to one of the most influential figures in American politics. As vice president, he has positioned himself as Donald Trump’s most aggressive defender while quietly building a future of his own. Publicly, he presents loyalty. Privately, many see preparation.

Vance often begins with his background. He speaks about growing up poor in Ohio, raised by his grandmother while his mother struggled. These stories connect him to working class voters and reinforce the idea that he understands hardship. At rallies, the message is clear. He is not elite by birth, even if he now moves comfortably among elites.

Since taking office, Vance has reshaped his political identity. He once criticized Trump sharply, even comparing him to authoritarian figures. Today, those statements are dismissed or ignored. On issues like foreign policy, free speech, and government power, Vance has reversed earlier positions with little explanation. What remains consistent is his usefulness to Trump.

That usefulness has made him powerful. He has become the administration’s main enforcer, stepping in during conflicts over immigration, law enforcement, and political violence. When controversial events occur, Vance often leads the response, attacking the media and blaming political opponents. His tone is combative and confident, signaling strength to supporters who value confrontation over compromise.

At the same time, Vance has taken on roles that suggest long term ambition. He was appointed finance chair of the Republican National Committee, an unusual position for a sitting vice president. This role gives him direct access to major donors and party infrastructure. Over the past year, he has traveled extensively, meeting activists, donors, and local leaders, all while avoiding any formal declaration of future plans.

A key difference between Vance and Trump lies in technology. Vance has deep ties to Silicon Valley, especially investors focused on artificial intelligence and digital finance. His political rise was heavily backed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who supported him financially and personally encouraged Trump to choose him as a running mate.

As vice president, Vance has acted as a bridge between the Trump movement and the tech world. He has pushed for light regulation of artificial intelligence and defended tech companies against government oversight, both in the United States and abroad. His speeches to tech audiences emphasize national strength, economic growth, and alignment between private innovation and state power.

These connections have paid off politically. Polling among Republican voters places Vance far ahead of other potential candidates for the next presidential cycle. Influential conservative groups and donors have begun to signal support, seeing him as someone who can continue Trump’s agenda with fewer personal liabilities.

Yet Vance’s rise has not gone unchallenged. Critics from across the political spectrum describe him as inconsistent and opportunistic. Former allies say he has abandoned earlier principles in exchange for proximity to power. Even some Republicans question whether his loyalty is genuine or simply strategic.

Publicly, Vance walks a careful line. He praises Trump constantly and avoids open rivalry with other potential successors. He avoids public feuds within conservative media and presents himself as a unifier rather than a factional fighter. The message is stability and continuity.

Still, the shadow of Trump looms large. Trump continues to dominate attention and shows little interest in stepping aside. Any future bid by Vance would require Trump’s blessing or his absence. Without it, Vance risks being seen as disloyal, a fatal flaw in Trump’s political universe.

For now, Vance benefits from patience. He builds influence without announcing intention. He collects allies while deflecting scrutiny. Whether this strategy leads to the presidency remains uncertain. What is clear is that JD Vance has become more than a supporting figure. He is shaping the future direction of the movement that put him in office.