Republicans gathered in Dallas for a two-day event focused on President Trump, but Vice President JD Vance used the spotlight to signal his 2028 ambitions. Delivering his keynote address, Vance expressed enthusiasm for the crowd's chants of his name, engaging directly with supporters. While Trump demanded the party fund and organize the event, Republicans used the occasion to discuss the party's post-Trump future.

Vance sidestepped contentious issues like tariffs and the Iran war, instead emphasizing his personal story and attacking Democrats. His unscripted response to an interruption—telling a protester to 'get your ass over there' to Mexico—energized the crowd. Supporters view Vance as the undisputed front-runner for the 2028 nomination, though he must consolidate support from Trump's base, particularly non-regular voters.

Vance appealed directly to undecided voters, urging them not to reject the administration over policy disagreements and highlighting the contrast with 'radicals.'.