US Vice President JD Vance has said he has not decided whether to run for president in 2028, acknowledging that he could ultimately choose not to seek the Republican nomination.
In an hour-long town hall with CBS News journalist Tony Dokoupil in Michigan, released on Saturday night, Vance was asked whether there was a possibility he would not enter the presidential race.
“Of course there’s a chance,” Vance replied, indicating that he had yet to make a final decision about his political future.
President Donald Trump has previously described Vance as his “most likely” Republican successor, fuelling speculation about the vice president’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election.
Vance weighs family considerations
Vance described himself as a procrastinator when it comes to major life decisions, saying he would need more time to consider whether to run.
He pointed to his four young children and his wife, Usha Vance, as important factors in the decision.
Vance said his wife had “never loved politics” but “loves public service”, highlighting the personal considerations involved in pursuing the presidency.
His remarks suggest that, despite widespread speculation about his political future, he has not publicly committed to seeking the Republican nomination in 2028.
Vice president defends Trump’s economic policies
During the town hall, Vance defended the administration’s economic policies, blaming former President Joe Biden’s administration for neglecting American manufacturing.
He acknowledged that reversing the decline in manufacturing would take time, while maintaining that the administration was working to address economic challenges facing the country.
Vance also addressed rising fuel costs, recognising the financial pressure higher petrol prices were placing on American consumers.
“I recognise that gas prices are too high right now,” he said, adding that prices would fall once the conflict involving Iran ended.
Trump says Iran is ‘failing badly’ as US keeps military option open
Vance backs Trump’s Iran strategy
The vice president defended the administration’s approach to the Iran conflict, arguing that the United States had achieved significant military objectives while acknowledging that the outcome remained uncertain.
“In some ways … won decisively,” Vance said of the US campaign, while adding that “the enemy gets a vote here”.
He said Washington was seeking a “final firm commitment from the Iranians that they’re not going to rebuild their nuclear program”.
His comments came amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and the economic consequences of the conflict, including higher energy costs.
Vance’s remarks reflected the administration’s stated objective of securing assurances from Tehran that would prevent it from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities.
Vance rejects allegations of presidential corruption
Vance also defended Trump against allegations of corruption involving the president.
The vice president said he had not seen “a single shred of evidence that (Trump) participates or sanctions in that corruption”.
The exchange formed part of a broader discussion about the administration’s record, including its handling of the economy and foreign policy.
2028 presidential race remains uncertain
Although Trump has identified Vance as a potential Republican successor, the vice president’s latest comments leave open the question of whether he will seek the party’s nomination.
A presidential campaign would involve significant political and personal commitments, including a demanding national campaign and the responsibilities associated with seeking the country’s highest office.
For now, Vance has stopped short of announcing his intentions, saying he needs time to consider the decision while continuing to serve as vice president.
