NYT: After A Crushing Election Defeat, Vance Is Trying To Distance Himself From Trump

5.11.2026, 10:21
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It is possible that this is happening with the approval of the U.S. president himself.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, following the crushing defeat of the Republicans in the midterm elections, has sharply criticized the policies and rhetoric of Donald Trump’s administration—and is attempting to distance himself from it. At the same time, as noted by The New York Times points out, it is possible that this is happening with Trump’s approval.

For example, in a social media post, Vance noted that many voters who previously supported Trump have opted for Democratic candidates. According to him, this was influenced by a number of factors, including the war, inflation, and a desire to change the nature of the country’s relationship with Israel.

This position runs counter to that of Donald Trump, who consistently advocates for war with Iran, dismisses concerns about the rising cost of living as “nonsense,” and demonstrates a close alliance with Israel.

The publication notes that this comment may have been made with Trump’s approval. According to a source familiar with their communication, Vance shared his post with the president before publishing it and received a positive response.

A few hours later, Mr. Trump told reporters that the vice president’s assessment was “largely correct.” At the same time, the president continued to defend the necessity of the war, stating that he “had no other choice” but to strike Iran.

“The vice president’s words effectively distance him from Donald Trump’s decisions at a critically important political moment,” the publication writes.

Ever since J.D. Vance became the vice-presidential candidate running alongside Donald Trump, many saw him as the leading contender to succeed Trump. However, following Tuesday’s disastrous election results for the Republicans, the party has begun to rethink its future. Vance’s post suggests that he is willing to distance himself from Trump as he considers his own political career, the NYT notes.

Meanwhile, Mark Short, who served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, noted that Vance now finds himself in a no-win situation.

“The risk is obvious: Trump might take it personally, and then Vance would lose his main defender and ally,” Short says. “And even if Trump isn’t offended, Vance still won’t score any points with Trump’s opponents, who will ask, ‘Why aren’t you changing anything?’”

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