J.D. Vance distances himself from Donald Trump. He is building his own position ahead of the 2028 elections.

J.D. Vance is leveraging the Republican defeat in Congress to strengthen his political standing, focusing on economic nationalism and domestic security while distancing himself from Trump. His recent speeches reflect a shift towards addressing issues like the Iran war and living costs, aiming to build credibility independent of Trump's declining popularity. Despite not formally announcing a presidential run for 2028, Vance is seen as a key contender, navigating the challenge of appealing to Trump's base while distancing from unpopular decisions. Republican strategists note that Vance is shaping the debate on the party's future direction, although he faced losses in states where he campaigned.