Why Donald Trump’s Instincts Earn High Praise From Vice President J.D. Vance
In a recent interview, Vice President J.D. Vance was unusually honest about his relationship with President Donald Trump, praising his intuition-based leadership. Observing Trump from his sponsorship of Vance’s senate race to his 2024 presidential campaign, Vance concluded that Trump had a sharp sense of awareness beyond political calculation.
Once a “Never Trump guy” in 2016, Vance said he saw attributes in Trump during his campaign that impressed him. Vance cited Trump’s ability to stand firm against “the worst forces in American society” and make judgments based on an inner compass rather than conventional counsel. Trump was secure in U.S. military capability but apprehensive of unneeded foreign warfare, according to Vance.
The vice president then shared a remarkable description from a friend: Trump’s decision-making is like a lion in the savanna—“animal instincts” at work. Vance noticed that Trump had “unbelievable instincts,” which helped him read people and circumstances precisely. “He automatically understands when somebody is trying to get one over him,” Vance said. This capacity distinguishes Trump as a leader, says Vance. He said Trump succeeds by trusting the right people and carefully navigating counsel rather than following the loudest voice.
Vance said he found a compassionate side to Trump outside of politics. Vance noted Trump’s contact with children, including his own, which showed a “very good heart” that surprised him. Vance believes Trump’s charismatic demeanor attracts many people, especially youngsters.
The vice president said he and Trump debate on policy behind closed doors, but he supports and executes Trump’s agenda. He stressed that Vance will act once the president goes forward but must give honest advice. Vance claimed he knew where the president was going with the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year and did not worry about escalation. He claimed that outsiders rarely understand a president’s perspective.
Vance was also asked about a 2028 “dream ticket” with Trump or another Republican leader like Marco Rubio. Vance said the talk is premature and that he is focused on the current job. He said, “If we take care of business, the politics will take care of itself.” He said he would consider additional offers later.
Vance’s comments reveal how Trump’s inner circle sees him: as a leader driven by primitive readiness and perception rather than political calculation. This view of Trump’s leadership is less focused on policies and more on his visceral decision-making style, the personal chemistry between leader and deputy, and his instinctual responsiveness, which Vance claims underpins it all.
Sources
New York Post / Yahoo report
