Trump declines to name JD Vance as his successor in Fox interview, Internet says 'that's a prompt no'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump refused to name his current second in command, Vice President JD Vance, as his chosen political successor during an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier that aired on Monday, February 9.

The incumbent insisted that it is too early in his second term to think about a successor, but praised Vance for performing his duties well "so far." According to Mediaite, Baier admitted to being taken aback by Trump's statement but felt that the question was better reserved for the midterm.

Donald Trump's take on endorsing JD Vance in 2028

In his interview with the 78-year-old commander-in-chief, Bret Baier pointedly asked Donald Trump, "Do you view Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?”

“No, but he’s very capable,” Trump promptly replied, explaining, "I mean, I don’t think that it, you know, I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s too early, we’re just starting.”

“But by the time you get to the midterms, he’s going to be looking for an endorsement,” Baier pushed on, but the business tycoon deflected saying that “a lot of people have said that this has been the greatest opening almost three weeks in the history of the presidency.”

Baier later expressed his surprise at Trump's response on the network, saying, "I think it was a little shocking when he said no, you know, I wasn’t expecting that."

"But, you know, following up, it is you know, once you get to the midterm, it starts, you start to think about 2028," he added. "And obviously, one would think JD Vance is going to be trying to position for that role. But clearly, the president is not ready to talk about that, or think about it, and says that there are other people that may get in the mix," he stated.

Internet trolls the dynamic between Donald Trump and JD Vance

Netizens on the social medi aplatform X started speculating on the relationship between Donald Trump and JD Vance based on the President's statement in the interview. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Lol immediate no. Sends a clear message," wrote a user.

"Can let JD get too big for his britches and start slacking… gotta keep him hungry and at the top of his game," shared another.

"JD Vance should have known he was hired as the chamber maid," jibed one more.

"JD Vanish," quipped someone else.

"Well that didn't last long. Just look at Mike Pence. He probably wishes he could make Elon Musk his successor," noted one individual.

"He thinks he’ll run a 3rd time," mocked yet another.

"That was a prompt 'No'. Well, a VP who can’t stand for his family sure weakens his own succession claim quite comprehensively!" exclaimed a user. 

"Aww poor JD getting left out again, first elon took his job now he’s not viewed as a successor. His tweets are about to get even more whiny," mocked another. 

"He didn’t have to put it so bluntly like that he could’ve just said not yet," observed one person. 

Another shared his view through a meme. 

However, some conservatives argued Trump was right to not ponder about his successor in the very first month of his second term.

"No, he’s saying JD has yet to prove himself. Give him time to execute and maneuver like Trump," explained a person.

"It’s a reasonable response. It’s way too early to endorse and commit. JD obviously has the inside track," seconded another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.