Vance praises Cruz’s likability while staying noncommittal on 2028 GOP support

At a press briefing at the White House, Vice President JD Vance sidestepped a direct question about endorsing either Senator Ted Cruz or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the 2028 presidential election. He argued that Republicans should focus on winning seats now to further the goals of the Trump administration rather than on future offices. Vance added that he could envision supporting multiple potential candidates.

He complimented Hegseth as a “great guy” and described Cruz as “authentic and likable,” suggesting both could perform well in a primary. The comments came after reports that Cruz and Hegseth have privately discussed their ambitions to succeed President Donald Trump. Vance has not announced his own candidacy but is viewed as a leading contender for the GOP nomination.