US Vice President JD Vance has taken a pointed jab at President Donald Trump, mocking his former role as host of the reality TV show The Apprentice. During a press conference in Washington on Wednesday, Vance was asked about Trump's informal straw poll at a White House dinner, where the president asked guests to choose between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his potential successor.
Vance's Dig at Trump's Reality TV Past
Vance responded with a smirk: "I just don't think it sounds like the President of the United States to have a televised competition for who would succeed him as his apprentice." The remark drew laughter from the audience, as Vance added, "I just think that's not at all what you would expect the president to do." The comment referenced Trump's 11-year stint hosting The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice from 2004 to 2015, before he left to run for president.
Trump's Straw Poll at the White House
On Monday, Trump conducted an informal straw poll during a dinner in the Rose Garden, asking law enforcement officials and allies: "Who likes JD Vance?" and "Who likes Marco Rubio?" After tepid applause for both, Trump mused, "I don't know who's it going to be — Is it going to be JD, is it going to be somebody else? I don't know."
Speaking alongside Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz at a press conference on anti-fraud initiatives, Vance quickly added a caveat, saying Trump has "always been fascinated by politics," making it "natural for him to, you know, joke around with us a little bit."
Vance Uncomfortable With Succession Talk
Vance appeared uneasy about being pitted against Rubio, telling reporters there are "few topics that I want to talk about less than what office I'm going to run for years down the road." He was also pressed on Trump's recent comments about Iran, where the president said he does not consider Americans' financial situations when making war decisions.
Vance defended Trump, saying his words were taken out of context. "I don't think the President said that," Vance claimed, adding, "I agree with the President that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon." He emphasised that the administration is engaged in "a very aggressive diplomatic process" and that Trump "has a lot of options."
Trump's Controversial Iran Stance
Trump had stated on the South Lawn before departing for China: "The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran: They can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody." When pressed on the economic impact of the war, which has caused fuel prices and cost of living to spike globally, Trump insisted: "The most important thing by far is Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."
Vance's comments come amid rising tensions over the war in Iran and Trump's unconventional leadership style, which continues to blend reality TV theatrics with high-stakes diplomacy.
