'Never Vance' revolt erupts against Veep as foreign actors plot to undermine 2028 run

By JON MICHAEL RAASCH, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT Published: 16:50, 24 July 2026 | Updated: 16:56, 24 July 2026 JD Vance is under sustained online attack as he prepares for a likely 2028 presidential run, and his allies saying the coordinated assault is being paid for. ‘This is the same bullsh*t that the globalists and RINOs pulled against my dad,’ Donald Trump Jr fumed on Friday, responding to a clip with Mark Halperin noting the establishment GOP’s opposition to the VP. ‘Rinse and repeat. Didn't work then, won't work now. We all see the establishment op.’ Vance has openly remarked how some in the Israeli government have been opposed to US actions in the Middle East, particularly US diplomacy with Iran. His allies now are claiming that a foreign operation is targeting Vance, who has recently welcomed a fourth child with his wife Usha. A Washington Post analysis found that a rash of posts slamming the expected 2028 candidate as ‘unfit’ - hitting his willingness to negotiate with Iran. ‘Never Vance,’ was another slogan circulating online. Some of the accounts appeared to be based in foreign countries. A Time report published this month found that a group of MAGA-aligned influencers had been paid by a pro-Israel group to allegedly post attacks against the VP.  Allies of JD Vance are claiming the Vice President is the victim of a coordinated attack from the GOP establishment Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are both thought to be 2028 presidential contenders. However, the VP's 'best friend' Rubio said he would not run against the 41-year-old Vance if he decided to launch a campaign  Footage from a US strike in Iran released on July 23. Vance has been hit with criticism from conservatives about his negotiations with Iran The campaign was being waged by Brad Parscale, Trump's 2016 campaign guru, who has since seemingly fallen out of grace with the President.  'You know, my response to that is, ‘Well, go to hell,'' Vance told Rogan of the campaign in a recent podcast interview. 'I’m going to do what I have to do for the American people. I represent Americans first, and that’s the way that I’ve tried to do this job.' Trump has publicly toyed with the idea of who he'd like to be the next president, having mused about whether audiences of his prefer either potential 2028 candidate. During a May event in the White House Rose Garden, he asked attendees to cheer for who they like more, Rubio or Vance.  The audience in one recording sounded like they cheered louder for Vance.  'Alright,' Trump responds. 'Sounds like a good ticket,' he continued, pairing the two together, not alluding to who'd be on top with a slight smile.  But recently, Vance has reportedly caught the President's attention and favor with the successful launch of his recent book tour and efforts regarding the Iran war.   A Time report found that a US firm with a contract with the Israeli government was pushing posts critical of Vance  Sources also told the outlet that Vance's weight loss has impressed the President 'It’s become, ‘JD’s our guy, we gotta help JD,’' a senior administration official told MS NOW.  Sources also told the outlet that Vance's weight loss has impressed the President.  The father of four, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy and other administration officials are reportedly on a sauerkraut-heavy diet pushed by physician Sean O'Mara. Vance is still the favorite among GOP expected candidates for the 2028 race, according to the latest Daily Mail/JL Partners survey taken in July.  The poll of over 1,000 US voters found Vance had 48 percent support among Republican primary voters.  Rubio had support from 18 percent of the GOP primary voters.  Vance, for his part, has repeatedly noted how the Secretary of State and potential 2028 rival is his 'best friend' in the administration.  He's also said he is focused on the challenges of today and not focused on a White House bid at this time.  Rubio has said he'd defer a presidential bid if Vance opts to announce. But Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is still actively considering a challenge to Vance.