The relationship between a US President and Vice President is often characterized by a superficial unity that masks a more complex reality, where VPs are primarily selected for electoral advantage rather than formal duties. Donald Trump and JD Vance’s partnership, while not yet overtly adversarial like some past pairings, exhibits growing strains as Vance aims to position himself as Trump’s successor. Trump, however, maintains a transactional approach, publicly downplaying Vance’s readiness and deflecting claims of him being a successor, thus fostering competition and uncertainty within his orbit. This dynamic mirrors Trump’s past approach, where he keeps potential successors vying for his approval, understanding the inherent drama and viewership it generates.
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The article reports that President Trump has privately expressed concerns to allies about Vice President JD Vance’s potential as a successor, viewing certain actions as indicative of a “disaster” for a 2028 presidential run. These private critiques reportedly include Vance’s reliance on Trump’s help in past elections, his vacation schedule, and perceived missteps like dropping a championship trophy and certain social media interactions. While the White House denies these claims, suggesting Vance has been instrumental in advancing the “America First” agenda, some Republicans, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, also voice concerns about Vance’s shifting stances on foreign policy and their potential political ramifications. The president continues to evaluate Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential heirs to his political movement.
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The recent commencement address by JD Vance at the U.S. Air Force Academy has sparked a considerable amount of commentary, largely centered around a specific remark he made to the graduating cadets. Vance, in his capacity as Vice President of the United States, reportedly told the graduates that they couldn’t boo him because of his title. This statement, intended perhaps as a lighthearted jest, seems to have landed with a mixed reception, prompting discussion about the nature of free speech, respect for office, and the perceived thin skin of public figures.
The core of the discussion revolves around the assertion that holding the office of Vice President somehow immunizes an individual from public dissent, such as booing.… Continue reading
Vice President JD Vance reportedly made a surprise appearance at a private dinner hosted by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., attending as a guest of his wife, who previously clerked for Roberts. Despite this unexpected addition to the guest list, Roberts appeared indifferent, offering no special accommodations or recognition to the Vice President. This occurred amid ongoing public criticism of the judiciary by President Trump, who has frequently expressed frustration with court rulings that have gone against his administration, even directly targeting Chief Justice Roberts. The Vice President himself has previously echoed these criticisms, suggesting the Chief Justice was “profoundly wrong” in his views on executive power checks.
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On May 21, 2026, The Bulwark hosted a live event in Los Angeles featuring Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, Van Lathan, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jon Favreau, Jane Coaston, and Erin Gloria Ryan. The program included a quiz on obscure political history, commentary on the DNC autopsy and California’s political landscape, and a critical assessment of JD Vance. Exclusively for Bulwark+ members, this event’s highlights are available on the Bulwark+ Takes platform.
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On the same day Vice President JD Vance pledged to crack down on the misuse of government funds, the Justice Department committed over a billion dollars to allies of President Donald Trump, a move critics are decrying as blatant corruption. While Vance spoke out against Medicaid fraud, opponents labeled the $1.7 billion “anti-weaponization fund” as a “slush fund” to reward political loyalists. This fund, intended to settle lawsuits filed by Trump and his associates against the IRS and address claims of wrongful targeting by the Biden administration, has drawn widespread condemnation from Democratic lawmakers. Critics argue this represents a misuse of taxpayer dollars to secure political favor and influence.
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The upcoming festival, as described by organizers, centers on the nation’s history and foundations, emphasizing its Judeo-Christian heritage and values derived from the Bible. Speakers, predominantly Protestant Christian, will focus on a singular dedication to God, excluding prayers to other deities. While acknowledging potential modest representation of other religions, the core emphasis remains on this specific religious framework.
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As part of the administration’s crackdown on Medicaid fraud, Vice President JD Vance announced the withholding of $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments to California, citing the state’s perceived lack of seriousness in prosecuting fraud. This action follows a similar suspension of payments to Minnesota earlier in the year and serves as a warning to all states that federal funding to their Medicaid Fraud Control Units could be suspended if they do not aggressively pursue fraud. The administration is also scrutinizing specific expenditures in California, including $630 million in billing, $500 million in home health services, and $200 million in questionable expenditures related to undocumented immigrants, who are not eligible for Medicaid. In addition to these actions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has imposed a six-month moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospices and home health agencies to intensify investigations and remove suspected fraudulent providers.
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During a Police Week event, Donald Trump recounted the moments following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, lamenting that Secret Service agents evacuated Vice President JD Vance more quickly than himself. Trump described seeing agents lift Vance, who was seated behind the main table, by his shoulders and pull him away, prompting Trump to question why he was not moved with the same speed. Although video evidence shows agents assisting Trump off stage, he later explained to CBS News that his own decision to observe the unfolding situation contributed to any perceived delay, and that he was instructed to get down on the floor by agents. The suspect, Cole Allen, pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate the president, with investigators believing he acted due to political grievances.
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During a recent speech, JD Vance experienced a moment of difficulty recalling the name of an individual he wished to address regarding Iowa farmers and E-15 fuel. The crowd’s reaction to this lapse was notably muted, with the surrounding attendees appearing unenthusiastic. This incident echoes a past instance in 2024 where Vance had previously boasted about his ability to speak without referring to notes during campaign events.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood