Trump Is Privately Questioning Whether JD Vance Can Win Without Him — and the Trophy Incident Hasn't Helped

JD Vance might be widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in 2028, but according to insiders, there's one very important person who still isn't completely sold on him: Donald Trump.

According to Mirror US, Trump has privately questioned whether Vance has the political instincts and public appeal needed to lead the MAGA movement in 2028.

Sources state, Trump has privately raised concerns about Vance when speaking with allies — even drawing comparisons to Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he considers who might lead the party after him. One issue Trump reportedly keeps returning to is Vance's political track record.

According to those familiar with the conversations, Trump has repeatedly pointed out that Vance's biggest political victory came only after receiving his endorsement during Ohio's fiercely contested 2022 Senate race. At the time, Trump threw his weight behind Vance despite the future vice president's past attacks on him, including comparisons that had once put Vance firmly in the anti-Trump camp.

“In the great state of Ohio, the candidate most qualified and ready to win in November is JD Vance," Trump had said. Now, insiders claim Trump has been asking a simple question: Can Vance win a major race without him?

The vacation issue has also reportedly factored into Trump's private assessments of his vice president. Trump, who regularly works from his golf properties on weekends, has reportedly expressed frustration at the frequency of Vance's personal travel since taking office.

The vice president has faced criticism over a series of trips to destinations including Italy, India, Nantucket, Vermont and Disneyland. Some of the trips were reportedly classified as official travel — a designation that drew additional criticism from Democratic lawmakers and political commentators.

But perhaps the biggest divide between the two men involves foreign policy. Trump has reportedly continued bringing up Vance's reluctance to support military action involving Iran, a stance that sources say created tension with Trump, who ultimately authorized the military action.

Speaking publicly earlier this year, Trump acknowledged that Vance was “less enthusiastic” about going to Iran before adding: “I felt like it was something we had to do. I didn’t feel we had a choice.” Trump reportedly told Vance directly, “I’m more of a peace person than you are - but I had to do it."

Another episode that sources say Trump has repeatedly brought up is Vance's trophy drop at Ohio State's White House championship celebration last year. The viral mishap saw the vice president accidentally drop the team's national championship trophy in front of cameras, creating one of the most awkward political photo ops of the year.

While many laughed it off, insiders say Trump hasn't forgotten it. According to those close to the situation, the president worries about appearances and optics, and has reportedly questioned whether Vance always looks comfortable in the kind of high-pressure moments that come with being president.

None of this means Trump has ruled out backing Vance — sources say he continues to consider his vice president a serious contender even as he voices doubts privately.

With 2028 still years away, the dynamic between Trump and Vance remains unsettled — sources say the president has not committed to any successor and continues to solicit opinions from allies about Vance's readiness.