JD Vance's 2028 Hopes Tied to Trump

DES MOINES, Iowa — Vice President JD Vance received a warm welcome from Republicans in Iowa on Tuesday, with many expressing optimism about his potential as a 2028 presidential contender. However, their enthusiasm is tempered by the understanding that Vance's fate is inextricably linked to President Donald Trump's.

Vance's close ties to Trump were on full display during his first trip to the early caucus state as vice president, where he was campaigning for Republican Rep. Zach Nunn at a rally in a manufacturing warehouse. He repeatedly credited the president for tariffs, tax cuts, and agriculture industry aid, but avoided any mention of 2028.

The Trump Factor

Vance's association with Trump's agenda presents a high-risk, high-reward proposition that could make or break his political future, according to operatives and rallygoers. "That's the risk of being part of an administration," Iowa GOP strategist David Kochel said. "This is the Kamala Harris problem."

Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is running for governor, said Iowans "absolutely" associate Vance with Trump and expressed confidence that the White House can deliver outcomes that benefit the state. "We're all in this together," he said. "We trust Trump and the vice president and what they're doing, and things are going to be great."

Economic Concerns

However, Americans' patience for the administration's economic policy to have a positive effect is wearing thin. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll released on Sunday found 65 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy and 76 percent disapprove of Trump's handling of cost of living issues.

The economic effects of Trump's policies are particularly hard felt in Iowa's vast agriculture industry. Trump's tariff regime blocked off markets that had been reliable purchasers of U.S. agriculture goods, while the war in Iran has spiked the cost of diesel, which farmers depend on heavily.

Jake Chapman, a former president of the Iowa Senate who has advised multiple Republican presidential candidates in Iowa, said the conflict and the trade negotiations with other countries are top of mind for Iowa Republicans. "A lot of people are thinking about foreign policy in particular, and how that impacts ag inputs and our agriculture economy," he said.

Vance's Path Forward

Vance acknowledged that the Trump administration hasn't fully delivered on its economic promises. "We got a lot more work to do," Vance told the crowd of hundreds. "We recognize that work. We're excited about that work. That's why you sent us to Washington, D.C."

However, negative feelings towards Trump appear to be spilling over to Vance. That same poll found 48 percent of Americans disapprove of Vance — slightly worse than other senior Trump administration officials.

Vance has gotten an early start on building a campaign infrastructure, should he choose to activate it. He has been a frequent surrogate and fundraiser for the GOP's midterm operation and has campaigned for Republicans in battleground seats around the country.

Whether or not the vice president can carry the ideological torch for Trump's political movement may depend on how closely Vance — or any 2028 hopeful — can align with Trump. Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann said at the rally he doesn't believe the next Republican presidential nominee necessarily has to appeal directly to Trump's base to be successful.