Tucker Carlson made a bold statement about Vice President J.D. Vance being the only viable successor to carry on Donald Trump’s legacy in 2028. Carlson believes the Vice President has demonstrated his commitment to the America First agenda and has earned his place as Trump’s political heir. How might the relationship between Carlson’s son working as Vance’s press secretary influence Tucker’s endorsement?
Carlson Endorses Vance as Trump’s Successor
Tucker Carlson has declared Vice President J.D. Vance the sole Republican capable of continuing Donald Trump’s political legacy after his second term ends. Speaking on the VINCE podcast with host Vince Coglianese, Carlson made his position crystal clear about the future of the Republican Party’s leadership.
“And the only person in the entire Republican Party from my position who’s capable of carrying on the Trump legacy and expanding it, making it what it should fully be, is J.D. Vance,” Carlson stated during the interview. He further emphasized Vance’s loyalty to Trump, noting that “his loyalty is without question, and his service to Trump has been profound.”
TUCKER: “The only person in the entire Republican Party … who’s capable of carrying on the Trump legacy and expanding it, making it what it should fully be, is JD Vance”pic.twitter.com/LbsntvD4Wk
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) March 19, 2025
Vance’s Political Journey
J.D. Vance’s path to becoming Trump’s running mate and potential successor has been anything but straightforward. Before entering politics, Vance gained national recognition through his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which offered insights into the white working-class voters who ultimately formed a crucial part of Trump’s base.
Vance began his political career relatively recently, winning an Ohio Senate seat in 2022 after receiving Trump’s endorsement. His rapid rise from freshman senator to vice presidential candidate underscores the dramatic evolution of his relationship with Trump and the MAGA movement.
Tucker Carlson predicts JD Vance will be the Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential election.
“The only person in the entire Republican Party from my position who is capable of carrying out the Trump legacy and expanding it—making it what it should fully be—is JD Vance.… pic.twitter.com/hLdMHsG1Ab
— AF Post (@AFpost) March 18, 2025
Questions About Trump’s Political Future
While Carlson firmly believes Vance is positioned to take the Republican nomination in 2028, Trump himself has not endorsed any successor. When previously questioned about potential 2028 candidates, Trump simply indicated there are many capable individuals, avoiding any specific endorsement.
There exists a notable personal connection between Carlson and Vance that cannot be overlooked in this context. Buckley Carlson, Tucker’s son, currently serves as Vance’s press secretary, establishing a direct link between the conservative commentator and the Vice President’s office.
Some of Trump’s more ardent supporters, including former White House strategist Steve Bannon, have even suggested Trump himself should run again in 2028. These suggestions persist despite the constitutional limit of two terms for presidents, highlighting the intense loyalty Trump commands within certain segments of the party.
The relationship between Carlson and Trump has been influential in shaping conservative messaging in recent years. Carlson’s unequivocal endorsement of Vance signals a potential coalescing of support around the Vice President as the natural heir to Trump’s political movement.
Vance’s transformation from Trump critic to trusted ally represents the political evolution many Republicans have undergone during Trump’s rise to power. His journey from calling Trump “America’s Hitler” to becoming his vice president and potential successor demonstrates the dramatic realignment within the Republican Party over the past eight years.