President Donald Trump on Wednesday sidestepped questions about who might succeed him in the 2028 presidential race, avoiding taking sides between his vice president, JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Vance, the former Ohio senator, has indicated he plans to discuss with Trump the potential of running after the midterm elections in November. Meanwhile, there’s speculation among GOP insiders that Rubio, a Florida senator who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, may also pursue the presidency.
While Rubio hasn’t explicitly ruled out a run in 2028, he has spoken positively about Vance, calling him a strong candidate. When asked about Vance and Rubio during an NBC News interview, Trump mentioned he would likely support a successor but preferred not to delve into specifics at this time. “We’ve got three years ahead of us. I don’t want to start arguments or anything like that—it’s not a fight. But let me tell you, JD is fantastic, and Marco is fantastic,” Trump stated.
He has frequently expressed that Vance and Rubio should consider running together on the same ticket. The upcoming 2028 race is expected to be highly competitive, with both major parties fielding large and diverse fields. Trump also hinted that one of the two might possess a more diplomatic style, saying, “One is slightly more diplomatic than the other,” while praising both as highly intelligent men.
Trump speculated about the possibility of running for a third term, an idea he briefly flirted with last year before abandoning it. When asked if he envisioned any scenario where he might still be president when the next administration begins in January 2029, he responded, “I don’t know. It would be interesting.”
Digital Phablet – JD Vance supports Sydney Sweeney amidst controversy, poking fun at liberals for their outrage over an American Eagle jeans advertisement.
Also ReadWhite House supports Sydney Sweeney amid eugenics ad criticism—does this help or hurt her?
Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the debate surrounding the Sydney Sweeney ad for American Eagle jeans, smiling as he told liberals to stay angry.
“My advice to Democrats is to keep labeling everyone who finds Sydney Sweeney attractive as a Nazi,” Vance said jokingly during Friday’s episode of the conservative “Ruthless” podcast. Clearly, that’s their strategy.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 31: U.S. Vice President JD Vance (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP)
Vance added, “It’s quite revealing about the Democrats—they have a typical all-American gorgeous girl in a standard jeans ad, aiming to sell jeans to American youth. Yet, this has driven them into a frenzy. It’s like, ‘Did you learn nothing from the 2024 election?’
“One lesson I thought they might take is to be less crazy. But what they seem to have learned is to call people Nazis just because they think Sydney Sweeney looks good,” Vance told the hosts of “Ruthless,” who recently signed with Fox News. “Brilliant strategy!” Especially since winning over young American men is crucial for midterm success.
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign is stirring controversy over a “jeans/genes” pun that some argue echoes eugenics and white supremacy rhetoric.
“Much of the Democrats’ approach seems to revolve around hostility toward fundamental American values. They can’t help but overreact when they see a pretty girl in a jeans ad,” Vance remarked. “It reveals far less about the ad than about their own paranoia.”
The controversy over the American Eagle ads featuring Sweeney ignited online because many interpret the pun involving “genes” and “jeans” as having eugenicist or racist implications to prioritize her white background. However, CNN White House producer Alejandra Jaramillo pointed out that “no leading Democratic officials have commented on this ad yet.”
The campaign was intended to be playful, focusing on wordplay. In one commercial, Sweeney states, “Genes are passed from parents to children,” then looks into the camera and adds, “My jeans are blue.” In another scene, she stands in front of a sign saying, “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” with “genes” crossed out and replaced with “jeans.”
This week, White House spokesperson Steve Cheung described the reactions as “cancel culture gone too far.”
Cancel culture run amok. This warped, idiotic, and dense liberal thinking is a big reason why Americans voted the way they did in 2024. They're fed up with this nonsense. pic.twitter.com/He7Ji6O3VF
“This twisted, foolish, and dense liberal thinking is a significant factor in why Americans voted the way they did in 2024,” Cheung tweeted. “They’re tired of this nonsense,” he added, sharing a screenshot of an MSNBC opinion piece titled “Sydney Sweeney’s ad reflects an unchecked shift toward whiteness.”
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks to the media after the Quad Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on July 29, 2024. — Reuters
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar disclosed that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance alerted Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the possibility of a major attack by Pakistan on the night of May 9. Vance urged India to agree to certain conditions to avoid escalation.
The recent attack in Pahalgam on April 22 escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed nations of Pakistan and India, as India attributed the violence to Pakistan without presenting any tangible evidence.
In a conversation with a U.S. news source, Jaishankar recounted that Vice President Vance contacted Prime Minister Modi directly to warn him that Pakistan would initiate a substantial military offensive if India did not make certain concessions.
“I was present when the U.S. Vice President communicated this to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9, emphasizing that if we didn’t agree on specific points, a significant attack from Pakistan was imminent,” Jaishankar said.
“That night, an extensive attack did occur,” Jaishankar confirmed.
Recently, the “Quad,” a strategic alliance involving the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, refrained from naming Pakistan in a joint statement condemning the Pahalgam incident.
The U.S. State Department released a statement from the foreign ministers of the Quad members during their meeting in Washington but notably did not mention or assign blame to Pakistan.
Last month, both Pakistan and India engaged in military confrontations prompted by the April Pahalgam attack.
In retaliation for India’s actions, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a significant military response named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting various Indian military facilities across multiple regions.
Pakistan claimed to have downed six of its own fighter jets, including three Rafales, along with numerous drones. After approximately 87 hours of conflict, the fighting between the two nuclear powers concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States.
The ceasefire was initially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump via social media after discussions with both parties. However, India has disagreed with Trump’s assertion that the ceasefire was a product of his intervention and threats to cut off trade talks.
Conversely, Pakistan has acknowledged Trump’s role in the negotiations and has formally endorsed him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his contribution to easing tensions between Pakistan and India last month.
US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, India, on April 22, 2025. —Reuters
JD Vance emphasizes the need for de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
He states, “we can’t control these countries.”
Recent discussions have been held with both nations.
WASHINGTON: On Thursday, US Vice President JD Vance expressed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan but stressed that the US cannot dictate actions to these nuclear-capable nations. He remarked that a conflict between them would be “none of our business.”
“We want to see quick de-escalation. However, we can’t control these countries,” Vance stated during an interview on Fox News‘ “The Story with Martha MacCallum.”
“Our role is to encourage dialogue and de-escalation, but we won’t intervene in a conflict that doesn’t involve our interests or have anything to do with our ability to manage it,” he added.
India remains a key ally for the US as they work to counter China’s growing influence, whereas Pakistan, although still considered a US ally, has diminished importance following the US exit from Afghanistan in 2021.
Some analysts and former officials suggest that the focus on diplomacy regarding Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and Israel’s situation in Gaza may lead the US to prioritize these issues over stability in India and Pakistan during their current tensions.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that retaliation was “increasingly certain,” as major clashes continued for a second day, resulting in nearly four dozen deaths.
The renewed escalation in the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan began on May 7, when an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack killed at least 31 civilians. In response, Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets including three Rafales and several drones.
India asserted that it targeted terrorist hideouts within Pakistan, citing an April 22 attack in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 individuals, a move that New Delhi blames on Islamabad, which has denied the allegations and called for an impartial investigation.
“We hope and expect that this will not escalate into a larger regional conflict or, worse, a nuclear war,” Vance stated on Thursday.
In recent days, the US has maintained regular dialogue with both countries, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s calls with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s foreign minister, where both were urged to engage in direct conversation to ease tensions.
US President Donald Trump described the rising tensions as regrettable. On Wednesday, he expressed hope that the two countries would refrain from further escalation after their back-and-forth actions. The State Department called on both nations to pursue what Washington considers a “responsible solution.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets US Vice President JD Vance at his residence in New Delhi, India, on April 21, 2025. — Reuters
JAIPUR: During his visit to India on Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance announced that the United States aims to increase its exports of energy and defense equipment to India, noting that the relationship between the two nations will define the current century.
“If India and the United States collaborate effectively, we will witness a prosperous and harmonious 21st century,” Vance declared in a speech delivered in Jaipur, located in northwestern India.
“Conversely, if we do not succeed in our cooperation, the 21st century may bring significant challenges for all of humanity.”
Vance expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their dinner meeting on Monday. This visit to India is significant for Vance, as he is accompanied by his wife, who has Indian immigrant roots, and their three children, making it a mainly personal four-day trip.
As India pushes to finalize a trade deal with the U.S.—its main trading partner—before the conclusion of a 90-day suspension of hefty tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump’s administration, the timing of Vance’s travel is critical.
“Prime Minister Modi is a skilled negotiator who knows how to secure a good deal,” said Vance, prompting laughter from his audience.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned on Monday in San Francisco that India aims to “favorably conclude” the initial segment of a trade agreement by the fall.
Vance reported that he and Modi made positive strides in their trade discussions, confirming that both parties have settled on the framework for the negotiations.
“This establishes a pathway toward a comprehensive agreement between our nations,” he added.
US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, accompanied by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, on March 28, 2025. — Reuters
NUUK: US Vice President JD Vance has expressed concerns that Denmark is not adequately safeguarding Greenland and its residents against escalating threats from Russia and China. He encouraged the Arctic territory to enhance its collaboration with the United States.
While visiting Greenland, Vance criticized Denmark’s efforts, asserting it has failed to sufficiently protect this semi-autonomous Danish territory from incursions by China and Russia. He reaffirmed the need to respect Greenland’s sovereignty and urged its people to consider partnership with the US.
Vance clarified that while there are no immediate plans to boost the US military footprint in Greenland, preparations will be made for increased resources, including the deployment of more naval vessels.
“Denmark has not kept pace with the necessary resources to ensure this base operates effectively, to safeguard our troops, and most importantly, to protect the people of Greenland from aggressive incursions by Russia, China, and other nations,” Vance commented. However, he did not elaborate on what these incursions entail.
The Vice President noted that Russia, China, and other nations are increasingly interested in the Arctic’s shipping routes, naval pathways, and mineral resources. The US is poised to invest more in naval ships and military icebreakers to strengthen its presence in the region.
Greenland’s newly appointed Prime Minister emphasized that Vance’s visit signified a “lack of respect” and advocated for unity in confronting external pressures.
Denmark’s King expressed his support via social media, stating, “We are living in a changed reality. My deep affection for Greenland and my connection to its people remain unchanged,” according to King Frederik.
During his visit to the US military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, Vance expressed gratitude to the stationed military personnel for their service. The temperature at the remote base was recorded at a frigid minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit (-19°C).
Vance also assured that the people of Greenland would be afforded “self-determination,” while the US would honor their sovereignty. “We hope they choose to collaborate with the United States because we are the sole nation to genuinely respect their sovereignty and security, which are intertwined with ours,” he stated.
While Vance was on his trip, President Donald Trump commented to reporters that Greenland is essential for ensuring “global peace.” Trump asserted, “We require Greenland for international security. It’s not a matter of if we can manage without it; we absolutely cannot.” He claimed that China’s and Russia’s naval presence in Greenland’s waterways was significant, insisting that the US would not depend on Denmark or any other nation to address the situation.
Trump further emphasized that Denmark and the European Union should grasp Greenland’s strategic importance for global stability, adding, “If they fail to recognize this, we’ll have to clarify it.” The US delegation included Vance’s spouse, Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The initial itinerary for the trip involved Vance’s wife participating in a dog-sled race, although she was not officially invited by Greenlandic or Danish authorities. However, due to public protests and backlash from officials in both Greenland and Denmark, the US delegation restricted their visit to the military base, forgoing public engagements.
According to a 1951 agreement, the US has the right to access its base at will, provided it informs Greenland and Copenhagen. Pituffik is strategically located along the quickest route between Europe and North America and is crucial for the US ballistic missile detection system.
Greenland, whose capital is geographically closer to New York than to Copenhagen, is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas. However, development in the sector has lagged, with limited US investment, while the majority of mining firms in the region are Australian, Canadian, or British. A White House official remarked that Greenland possesses substantial rare earth minerals crucial for the future of the US economy.
New Government
Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, urged political solidarity.
“In these challenging times, we must unite as a people,” Nielsen said during a press conference.
His party, the Democrats, which advocates for a gradual independence from Denmark, won the largest share in the elections held on March 11.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who had previously referred to the initial plans for the US visit as “unacceptable,” congratulated Greenland’s new government via an Instagram post, expressing her anticipation for close cooperation during these unnecessarily conflict-ridden times.
Andreas Oesthagen, a senior expert on Arctic policy and security at the Oslo-based Fridtjof Nansen Institute, remarked that the key point is how far Trump is willing to push his agenda regarding Greenland.
“It remains improbable that the US will resort to military intervention,” he told Reuters. “However, it is regrettably likely that President Trump and Vice President Vance might pursue other pressures, such as vague statements, semi-official visits to Greenland, and economic strategies,” he added.
‘Not for Sale’
By adjusting the visit, the Trump administration aims to redirect the conversation towards key matters: the US military presence in Greenland, military readiness, and Arctic security, according to Catherine Sendak, head of the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank.
“A shift in approach was essential,” Sendak told Reuters.
Nonetheless, some residents in Nuuk hold resentment towards the Trump administration leading up to Vance’s arrival.
“I am a human being. We are not for sale,” declared Tungutaq Larsen, a filmmaker speaking to Reuters.
Polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States. Massive demonstrations, with anti-American sentiment displayed through “Make America Go Away” hats and “Yankees Go Home” banners, have marked some of the largest protests ever seen in Greenland.
In a strong statement, residents of Nuuk also planted Greenlandic flags in the snow next to a sign that read, “Our Land. Our Future.”
Vice President JD Vance’s Planned Visit to Greenland Amid Controversy
Eagle Pass, Texas: US Vice President JD Vance is set to embark on a trip to Greenland this Friday, accompanying his wife, Usha Vance, on a visit that intensifies scrutiny from former President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his desire for US control over the self-governing Danish territory.
Vance, an ardent supporter of Trump’s foreign policy agenda, expressed plans to meet with members of the US Space Force stationed in Greenland while also assessing the territory’s security situation. In a recent video announcement, he stated, “There was so much excitement surrounding Usha’s visit that I didn’t want her to have all the fun alone, so I’m joining her on this adventure.”
His declaration followed a critical remark from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called Usha Vance’s visit "unacceptable pressure" on both Greenland and Denmark.
Earlier, the White House disclosed that Usha Vance would be in Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, primarily to attend a national dogsled race in Sisimiut, located on the northwest coast of Greenland.
Since reclaiming the presidency in January, Trump has maintained that he wishes for the United States to assume control over Greenland, citing national security as the main justification, and he hasn’t excluded the possibility of using force to achieve this goal. In his video, Vance articulated concerns about other nations potentially using Greenland as a platform to "threaten the United States, Canada, and the people of Greenland."
Trump recently even suggested the idea of making Canada the "51st state," further fueling the ongoing debate over territorial claims in North America.
“On behalf of President Trump, we aim to enhance the security of the Greenlandic people,” Vance remarked. He further added that both US and Danish leaders have “overlooked Greenland for far too long,” and emphasized a shift towards a more proactive approach regarding the territory’s security.
Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede noted that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is also scheduled to visit Greenland this week, along with reports that US Energy Secretary Chris Wright will join the delegation.
The dogsled race, largely funded by the US Consulate in Nuuk, has stirred negative reactions from politicians in both Denmark and Greenland. Prime Minister Frederiksen stated to reporters, “You can’t conduct a private visit with official representatives of another country.”
The trip occurs during a politically sensitive period in Greenland, where parties continue to negotiate the formation of a new coalition government after elections held on March 11. Greenland, a self-governing territory seeking greater autonomy from Denmark, is rich in untapped mineral and oil resources, though exploration for oil and uranium remains banned.
Geographically, Greenland is strategically located between North America and Europe, making it attractive amid increasing interest from the US, China, and Russia in Arctic matters, especially as climate change has opened new sea lanes.
White House supports Sydney Sweeney amid eugenics ad criticism—does this help or hurt her?
