‘That’s an Innovative Way to Ask': J.D. Vance Says When Asked About Backing Ted Cruz or Pete Hegseth in 2028

J.D. Vance had a pretty simple response when he was asked whether he could support Ted Cruz or Pete Hegseth for president in 2028.

During Thursday’s White House briefing, Vance was asked about the growing speculation surrounding the next Republican presidential race. Cruz has reportedly started making calls about a potential 2028 campaign, per The Wall Street Journal, while Hegseth has also been mentioned as a possible contender.

“I know you don’t want to talk about your own potential 2028 prospects, but Senator Ted Cruz and your good friend, Secretary Hegseth, apparently have been privately and publicly, in the case of Senator Cruz, positioning for 2028,” a reporter told Vance, adding, “Could you see yourself supporting either one of them for a presidential campaign?”

The vice president immediately appeared to recognize where the question was going.

“That’s an innovative way to ask the question,” he said.

“But I’m still not gonna take the bait," he added.

Rather than weigh in on who might have his support in 2028, Vance shifted his attention to the 2026 midterm elections, saying Republicans should be thinking about the more immediate political fight.

“I’d encourage any Republican, if you care about the country, and I think all of us do, you should be focused not on a job a few years from now. You should be focused on the midterms,” the former Ohio senator said.

“What I’m focused on, man, is trying to get as many Republicans elected as possible so that we can do as much good as possible for the second two years of the Trump administration,” he continued.

Still, Vance wasn't completely dismissive when the reporter pressed him on the two potential candidates.

“I could see myself supporting Pete and a whole host of people,” he said.

And when it came to Cruz, he had some surprisingly warm words.

“And on Ted Cruz, I mean, look, man, he’s just clearly — Ted is a very authentic and likable guy, and I’m sure he’ll do great,” the 42-year-old said.

Cruz's reported interest in 2028 comes as Republicans begin looking beyond Donald Trump’s presidency. Per The Wall Street Journal, the Texas senator has been “quietly asking people” whether they would be interested in working on a potential 2028 campaign.

The 55-year-old Republican has also reportedly been spending time in Iowa, appearing on podcasts and going on a book tour all moves that have fueled speculation about another presidential run.

The Texas Republican is no stranger to the presidential campaign trail. He ran against Trump during the 2016 Republican primary, when Trump famously branded him “Lyin’ Ted” and took shots at both his wife, Heidi Cruz, and his father, Rafael Cruz.

Cruz has since become one of the president's most vocal supporters, despite their rivalry during the 2016 campaign.