One month into his role as Vice President, J.D. Vance already carries himself like a seasoned Washington insider.
His ease and confidence are unmistakable as he settles in for an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, fresh off a call with President Donald Trump.
“The president barely sleeps, but he’s just one man,” Vance says, reclining on a couch in his West Wing office.
“He needs people who can execute the agenda he was elected to implement.”
His main workspace, though functional and close to the Oval Office, lacks the grandeur of his ceremonial office across the way.
The room is minimalistic, aside from two personal touches—a U.S. Marine Corps flag commemorating his military service and a football signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, his favorite team.
This no-nonsense setting aligns with his reputation: a man focused on action rather than prestige.
And with speculation already swirling about his future political ambitions, Vance is playing the long game.
Trump’s Reluctance on 2028
Despite his rising profile, Vance recently found himself the subject of intrigue when Trump told Fox News that he wasn’t yet ready to endorse his VP for a 2028 presidential bid.
“No, but he’s very capable,” Trump remarked—words that left political analysts dissecting their meaning.
Vance, however, brushes off the speculation.
“He said exactly what he should have said—it’s too early to talk about 2028,” he insists.
For now, his focus remains on governing, not campaigning.
“There will be a time for politics,” he says, acknowledging the upcoming 2026 midterms.
“But right now, we need to do a good job. The rest will come later.”
Stirring the Pot in Europe
Vance’s recent trip to Europe sparked headlines—and controversy.
His speech at the Munich Security Conference delivered a blistering critique of European leaders, warning that their biggest threat wasn’t Russia, China, or artificial intelligence, but rather their own internal policies on immigration and free speech.
The remarks angered many European officials, who criticized his blunt approach. Yet Vance remains unapologetic.
“The headlines focused on the controversy, but what they ignored is that the biggest driver of censorship in recent years has been the Biden administration,” he claims.
Defending his remarks, Vance argues that the core values of the Western alliance—free speech and national sovereignty—are under threat, and America must take the lead in protecting them.
“We believe in free expression. We believe in open debate. Our allies need to understand that.”
A Family Affair Abroad
Beyond the political clashes, Vance’s trip had a personal side. His wife, Usha, and their three children—Ewan, 7, Vivek, 5, and Mirabel, 3—accompanied him on Air Force Two.
In Paris, the family joined him for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a moment of significance given Usha’s Indian heritage.
The Vances also visited the recently restored Notre Dame Cathedral, blending official duties with rare family time.
“It was the perfect balance,” Vance says, shifting from political intensity to fatherly warmth.
“I could work long days but still have breakfast and dinner with my kids most nights.”
Little Vivek even celebrated his fifth birthday in Paris—complete with three cakes, courtesy of the U.S. embassy and French President Emmanuel Macron.
“That’s a pretty solid birthday for a five-year-old!” Vance laughs.
A Secretive Meeting and a European Backlash
One of the most contentious moments of Vance’s trip was his private meeting with Alice Weidel, the co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
While his press pool was present for other meetings, this one was kept under wraps.
Germany’s election results soon followed, with the AfD securing a historic second-place finish.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz accused the Trump administration of interfering in the election, likening their influence to Russian meddling.
Vance strongly denies the accusation. “I met with leaders from all four major parties in Germany,” he clarifies.
“My focus was on free speech—not election interference.”
Clashing with Zelensky Over Ukraine
The VP’s European tour also included a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich.
Their discussion centered on the ongoing war, with Vance emphasizing that the conflict must end soon.
Zelensky, however, later criticized Trump, suggesting he was operating within a “disinformation space” created by Russia.
Vance dismisses the comment as a strategic mistake.
“Anyone who knows the president knows that publicly criticizing him is not the way to change his mind,” he says.
Trump, never one to let a slight go unanswered, responded by labeling Zelensky “a dictator” in a social media post—yet another sign of how fragile U.S.-Ukraine relations have become under the new administration.
The Road Ahead
Despite only two years in Washington, Vance has quickly established himself as a powerful force in American politics.
His European tour showcased both his willingness to challenge the establishment and his ability to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.
Whether or not he has his sights set on the presidency, one thing is clear: J.D. Vance isn’t just Trump’s number two.
He’s making a name for himself—and the world is paying attention.