First on Fox: VP Vance to tout Trump’s historic first month in speech to MAGA faithful

JD Vance Set to Highlight Trump’s Achievements at CPAC

Vice President JD Vance is gearing up to kick off the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, where he is expected to spotlight President Donald Trump’s flurry of activity since returning to the White House a month ago. This will mark Vance’s first address to CPAC since being inaugurated as Vice President, and it comes at a pivotal moment for the Trump administration. A source close to the matter shared with Fox News that Vance plans to emphasize the historic pace of achievements during Trump’s first month in office. These accomplishments include efforts to secure the homeland, deport violent illegal immigrants, boost American energy production, protect American workers, and restore the nation’s strength both domestically and internationally.

The Vice President will deliver his remarks during a fireside chat with Mercedes Schlapp, a veteran Republican strategist and senior fellow at the American Conservative Union, the organization behind CPAC. Vance’s appearance at the conference is significant, as he has become a key figure in the GOP and a rising star within the Trump movement. His speech is expected to energize the crowd and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to its core priorities, setting the tone for the rest of the conference.

Vance’s Rise and Role in the Trump Administration

JD Vance, a former venture capitalist and author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has quickly become a central figure in the Republican Party. After serving two years in the Senate, he was elected Vice President under Trump, a move widely seen as an endorsement of his leadership and ideological alignment with the former president. Vance has been instrumental in helping the GOP-controlled Senate confirm Trump’s Cabinet nominees at a rapid pace, showcasing his ability to work effectively within the administration.

His recent speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany further cemented his reputation as a formidable voice in the Republican Party. Vance delivered a stark message to European leaders, calling for greater unity and strength in addressing global challenges. This bold move on the international stage highlighted his growing influence and ability to articulate the administration’s vision both at home and abroad.

Vance’s prominence has also sparked speculation about his potential as a future leader of the Republican Party. Trump himself has praised Vance, describing him as "very capable" and acknowledging his role as a key player in the MAGA movement. However, when asked if he sees Vance as his successor, Trump remained noncommittal, stating, "It’s too early. We’re just starting." Despite this, Vance’s performance at CPAC and his role in the administration will undoubtedly be scrutinized as the 2028 presidential election draws closer.

CPAC: A Hub for Conservative Activism and GOP Strategy

CPAC, the nation’s oldest and largest annual gathering of conservative leaders and activists, has long been a cornerstone of Republican politics. Founded in 1974, the conference has grown into a powerful platform for shaping the GOP’s agenda and showcasing its rising stars. In recent years, CPAC has been dominated by supporters of Trump’s "America First" movement, who have come to define the party’s direction.

This year’s conference is particularly significant, as it follows Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign and the GOP’s gains in both the Senate and House. Trump is set to close out the event with a victory speech on Saturday, where he is expected to celebrate his achievements and reinforce his grip on the party. For Vance, the opportunity to speak at CPAC is a chance to solidify his position within the GOP and set the stage for the administration’s next steps.

Vance’s Vision for the Future and the 2028 Question

As Vance takes the stage at CPAC, all eyes will be on his message and how it resonates with the conservative base. The Vice President has been clear about his priorities, emphasizing the importance of securing the homeland, boosting the economy, and restoring American strength. However, questions about his future ambitions loom large, particularly as the 2028 presidential election begins to take shape.

In a recent interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo, Vance deflected questions about a potential presidential run, stating, "The best thing for my future is actually the best thing for the American people, which is that we do a really good job over the next three and a half years." He also made it clear that his focus remains on supporting Trump and ensuring the success of their shared agenda. While Vance may not be actively campaigning for 2028 just yet, his performance at CPAC and his continued rise within the GOP suggest that he is positioning himself as a key player in the party’s future.

Trump’s Return to CPAC and the Road Ahead

Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance at CPAC on Saturday is expected to be a major highlight of the conference. Fresh from his 2024 victory, Trump will likely use the platform to celebrate his accomplishments and rally his base. His speech will also serve as a reminder of his enduring influence over the Republican Party, which has only grown stronger since his return to the White House.

Trump’s relationship with CPAC dates back to 2011, when he first addressed the conference as a businessman and reality TV star. Over the years, he has used the platform to hone his political messaging and connect with conservative activists. Even during his lowest moments, such as the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Trump has turned to CPAC as a safe space to reaffirm his connection with his base.

As the conference concludes, the focus will shift to the road ahead for the Trump administration and the GOP. With Vance by his side, Trump is poised to continue advancing his agenda, while also laying the groundwork for the next generation of Republican leaders. Whether Vance ultimately becomes Trump’s successor remains to be seen, but his role at CPAC and beyond will undoubtedly shape the future of the party.