• Paul says Republican Party needs leaders who believe international trade benefits America
• Comments come after Rubio and Erika Kirk throw early support behind vice president
• Kentucky senator has visited Iowa and other early primary states in recent months

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) made clear he is far from enamored with the idea of Vice President JD Vance succeeding President Donald Trump.

Paul Distances Himself From Vance’s Economic Vision

In a Sunday interview on ABC’s This Week, host Jonathan Karl quizzed Paul about Vance effectively being endorsed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a 2028 candidacy in a Vanity Fair feature published on Tuesday, as well as Erika Kirk throwing her support behind the vice president at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference.

Karl asked Paul directly whether Vance was the heir apparent to lead the Republican Party. The Kentucky senator’s response drew a sharp ideological line.

“I think there needs to be representatives in the Republican Party who still believe international trade is good, who still believe in free market capitalism, who still believe in low taxes.”

Tariffs Become Flashpoint in Succession Battle

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Paul continued his critique by targeting the protectionist economic policies embraced by Vance and others in the Trump administration. He argued traditional conservatives viewed government spending as the problem rather than seeking additional revenue through tariffs.

The senator said pro-tariff Republicans have abandoned conservative principles by celebrating tax revenue from import duties. He vowed to continue leading the conservative free market wing of the party. When Karl asked whether that description excluded Vance, Paul’s answer was unambiguous.

Early Endorsements Fuel Succession Speculation

Paul’s remarks came amid growing momentum behind Vance’s potential candidacy. Rubio told Vanity Fair that if Vance runs he would be the nominee and that he would be among the first to support him. The secretary of state effectively ruled himself out of challenging the vice president.

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Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk delivered an even more emphatic endorsement Thursday in Phoenix. She told conservative activists her organization would work to elect Vance as the 48th president. Kirk’s late husband Charlie Kirk was instrumental in advocating for Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate.

Paul Stakes Out Early Primary Territory

The libertarian-leaning senator has already been making moves in early primary states including Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire. CNN described Paul as a senator with 2028 ambitions after he delivered speeches criticizing Trump’s tariffs.

Paul ran unsuccessfully for president in 2016, dropping out after finishing fifth in the Iowa caucuses. His seat is next up for reelection in 2028, giving him flexibility to pursue higher office. Trump has suggested Vance and Rubio could form an unstoppable team, but Paul’s opposition signals the vice president may face resistance from traditional free market conservatives.

Will Rand Paul mount a serious challenge to JD Vance, or will the vice president consolidate Republican support before the 2028 primary begins?

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