Leaked messages from a private Signal group have cast doubt on Donald Trump’s leadership, plunging him and his close circle into controversy.
But is there a deeper threat to his presidency?
Less than 100 days after returning to the White House, questions about the stability of Trump’s administration have already surfaced.
Political analyst Adam Boulton argues that Trump’s biggest risk may not come from his political adversaries, but from those within his own camp—particularly from Vice President JD Vance.
Boulton warns that Trump’s erratic leadership style could eventually undermine his position. He speculates that Republicans, including cabinet members, may prefer Vance—a more stable, family-oriented figure—if Trump’s unpredictability, including economic missteps or potential military confrontations, becomes too risky for the party’s future.
Troubling Moves by the Trump Administration
Since his second term began, Trump has made several high-profile decisions that have stirred concern, even among his most loyal supporters.
His administration has implemented tariffs on key allies like Canada and Mexico, sparked controversy with moves such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and taken actions such as halting aid to Ukraine and deporting Venezuelans to El Salvador. Additionally, his aggressive rhetoric towards Greenland has fueled fears he might attempt to annex the territory.
Within his inner circle, unease is growing due to Trump’s unpredictable behavior and ongoing personal and political scandals. Some officials are even considering Vance as a more stable alternative amid the rising tensions.
The Shifting Relationship Between Trump and JD Vance
In the past, Vance, a former venture capitalist and author of Hillbilly Elegy, was an outspoken critic of Trump, even going as far as to compare him to “America’s Hitler.” However, over time, Vance’s views have changed, and he has positioned himself as one of Trump’s strongest supporters.
However, a recent scandal involving leaked Signal group messages has raised questions about Vance’s loyalty. In these exchanges, Vance subtly criticized Trump’s policy stances, including an instance where Vance pointed out the contradiction between Trump’s call for a unilateral military action against the Houthis and his demand that European nations contribute more to such efforts.
These messages, which were shared with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, have cast doubt on Vance’s standing as a loyal ally of the president, leading to further speculation about his future role.
Vance’s Potential and Political Scrutiny
As vice president, Vance holds significant power and could potentially step into the presidency if political conditions change. However, some conservatives question his ideological consistency, while others see him as a more pragmatic leader who could take charge if Trump falters.
Given Vance’s shifting stance on Trump, political analysts are left wondering how he would govern if he were to assume the top office.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Trump’s presidency is under increasing scrutiny, especially as many question the direction of American democracy. Staffan Lindberg, a political scientist, has expressed concerns that under Trump, the United States appears to be moving away from democratic principles, which could have serious global repercussions.
This sentiment is echoed by Tara Setmayer, a former Republican communications director, who warned that the normalization of anti-democratic actions poses a significant threat to the nation’s future.
In light of these concerns, incidents such as the denial of entry to a French scientist—after border officials discovered anti-Trump messages on his phone—have further exacerbated fears of growing authoritarianism.
Paths to Removing Trump from Office
If the political tension within the White House continues to escalate, there are several potential ways for Trump to be removed from office. Impeachment remains the most widely known option, though Trump narrowly avoided it twice during his first term.
Alternatively, the 25th Amendment could be invoked by a majority of the cabinet, along with Vice President Vance, declaring Trump unfit to serve. If Trump challenges this, Congress would have the final say, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to remove him.
A third possibility is that mounting political pressure could force Trump to resign, similar to how Richard Nixon stepped down during the Watergate scandal. While unlikely, Trump’s volatile behavior and growing dissent within his administration could prompt Republicans to seek a new leader.
What a Vance Presidency Might Look Like
Even if Vance were to become president, experts caution that his leadership may not differ drastically from Trump’s. Given his close ties to the current administration, Vance’s presidency could merely continue the policies and approaches of the Trump era.
In the coming months, internal power struggles will likely intensify, and all eyes will be on JD Vance—either as Trump’s loyal deputy or as a potential successor, as the White House remains as unpredictable as ever.
