US Vice President JD Vance is building a new political alliance after the Republican Party’s November 3 midterm losses. Vance said, "The reason we lost is the war." He now aims to unite disaffected Trump voters by focusing on ending the Iran conflict, lowering living costs, and changing Israel policy.
US Vice President JD Vance is seeking to build a new political alliance with disaffected supporters of President Donald Trump ahead of the 2028 presidential election, following the Republican Party's losses in the November 3 midterm elections, according to a Fox News Digital report.
Vance has begun carving out a distinct political message in the aftermath of the Republican setback, particularly on foreign policy and Washington's relationship with Israel. The move could help him appeal to Trump supporters who remain aligned with the president's domestic agenda but disagree with his approach to the war in Iran.
According to Fox News Digital, a White House meeting was held on Wednesday morning to coordinate the administration's messaging following the election results. A source familiar with the developments said the meeting focused on the administration's post-midterm response, while another described it as a routine senior staff meeting.
Soon after, Vance took to X to outline his assessment of the Republican defeat, directly linking the party's performance to the ongoing war in Iran. "The reason we lost is the war," Vance wrote. "The president himself said so last night."
He added that any discussion about the party's future must acknowledge the political cost of the conflict.
"If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest," he said. "But everyone knows why we lost. And any honest conversation about where we go from here must start there."
What is Vance's 'new right' strategy?
In his post, Vance referred to four priorities identified by a pollster that could help Republicans regain voters: ending the war in Iran, addressing the cost of living and inflation, putting America first and changing "our relationship with Israel."
A Trump administration official told Fox News Digital that these priorities represent Vance's rallying call to the "new right", a coalition broadly aligned with Trump's original America First movement.
The proposed political approach emphasises avoiding foreign conflicts, making the US more affordable for families and tightening border controls. However, it also seeks to appeal to Republicans who believe Trump has become too closely aligned with Israel on foreign policy.
The official clarified that Vance's message does not represent a break with Trump, unlike former vice president Mike Pence's public split with the president after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Instead, Vance is attempting to reach voters who continue to support Trump but feel disappointed by his handling of international affairs.
"Vance is our guy," the official told Fox News Digital, describing the message being directed at these voters.
Vance's position on the Iran war
Vance has largely remained aligned with the Trump administration's public messaging since taking office, although he has previously expressed reservations about the Iran conflict.
Trump himself acknowledged earlier this year that Vance was "maybe less enthusiastic" about launching military action against Iran.
The vice president is widely viewed as a potential Republican presidential contender in 2028, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His latest remarks come as the party confronts the political consequences of its midterm losses and debates its foreign policy direction.