JD Vance believes Donald Trump would back him for president. But there’s one problem with treating that endorsement as a done deal: They haven’t discussed it.
The vice president acknowledged that uncertainty during a Monday interview with journalist Mark Halperin on 2WAY, leaving open the possibility that Trump could let a Republican primary unfold before picking a favorite.
“I think if I run, the president will endorse me,” Vance said, according to Mediaite’s account of the interview.
But when Halperin asked whether that endorsement would come immediately, the answer became less certain.
“I would think so, but I don’t know, man,” Vance replied. “I haven’t talked to him about it.”
An Endorsement Worth Waiting For
The admission followed Vance’s argument that Trump’s backing carries extraordinary weight with Republican voters, who trust the president’s judgment after watching him battle the party establishment.
“Obviously, the voters are gonna decide,” Vance told Halperin. “Donald Trump is only one vote of many, but I think his endorsement is still the most powerful.”
That makes the timing consequential. Vance said Trump could reasonably decide to watch candidates compete before intervening.
“Again, I think I would get his endorsement, but I also think there’s something to be said for people actually running their own race,” he said.
When Halperin suggested Vance might struggle as a presidential candidate, the vice president acknowledged the possibility.
“I might be terrible at it,” he said.
Trump Keeps His Options Open
Asked Tuesday about backing Vance, Trump praised his vice president but confirmed they had not discussed the matter. He said the immediate priority was getting through the midterm elections.
Trump’s support has helped Vance before. ABC News reported that his endorsement helped propel Vance to victory in Ohio’s 2022 Republican Senate primary.
For now, Vance says he remains undecided about running in 2028. His expectation of Trump’s support comes with a qualification: The conversation has yet to happen.
