A Republican succession battle is emerging years before the 2028 presidential election, with allies of JD Vance claiming that establishment figures are organising to stop him from inheriting Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. The backlash reportedly intensified after Vance criticised Israel, defended negotiations with Iran and challenged conservatives supporting an indefinite Middle East war. Traditional Republicans remain wary of his populist economics, foreign-policy restraint and willingness to confront longstanding US allies. Vance, however, is building a formidable political operation through wealthy donors, the Rockbridge Network, Turning Point USA and his position as the Republican National Committee’s finance chairman. Early polling places him ahead of other potential contenders. Trump will be constitutionally barred from seeking another term, leaving control of his coalition open for the first time in more than a decade. The fight over the Republican Party’s post-Trump future may already be underway. Watch.