'Conspicuously absent': JD Vance reportedly waiting for MAGA reaction to latest Trump move

Vice President JD Vance has been noticeably quiet about the United States attack on Venezuela and capture of its leader Nicolás Maduro, and that could point to something else at play, according to an analyst.

Vance has released only commented once since the "military incursion in Venezuela" and it could have to do with interest in a 2028 presidential run, Salon's Heather Digby Parton wrote in an opinion piece published Thursday.

"The one person who’s been conspicuously absent around the Venezuela mission is JD Vance, and that’s unusual," Digby Parton wrote. "The vice president is usually right at the center of everything, applauding Trump actions like a trained seal. Since this is [Marco] Rubio’s baby, perhaps he gracefully took a backseat. But considering his only statement on the matter, it seems more likely that Vance is keeping his cards close to his vest until he can determine if the MAGA voters he’s courting for a potential 2028 run will continue to support this assault."

Vance has had a staunch approach towards foreign policy, often arguing that the U.S. and President Donald Trump's administration should maintain its focus on domestic issues — not international affairs.

"More than anyone else in the administration, Vance has staked his reputation on the America First philosophy, but he’s very adept at shape-shifting, so he will no doubt position himself wherever he believes it will most benefit him," Digby Parton explained.

Vance has been widely reported to be positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential run, leveraging his role in the Trump administration and his influence within the MAGA movement to build a political base. Rubio, Trump's Secretary of State and now personal and professional friend of Vance, has also been mentioned as a potential running mate for Vance in 2028.