O VOO DO CORVO

quarta-feira, 22 de abril de 2026

Is JD Vance’s Presidential Bid Over Before It’s Started?

Is JD Vance’s Presidential Bid Over Before It’s Started?

Far from being "over," Vice President JD Vance is currently considered the presumptive frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nomination. However, his potential bid is facing significant early headwinds due to recent foreign policy setbacks and internal party competition.

Current Standing and Support

Presumptive Successor: Following the Trump-Vance victory in 2024, Vance has been positioned as the natural heir to the MAGA movement. He has already received early endorsements for 2028 from figures like Erica Kirk and has been floated as a favorite by President Trump himself.

Straw Poll Success: Vance topped the 2026 CPAC straw poll for the second year in a row, a key—though informal—indicator of his popularity with the conservative base.

Media Presence: He remains a central figure in the administration, often tasked with high-stakes diplomatic missions and serving as the RNC finance chair to build political capital.

Emerging Challenges

Despite his strong start, several factors have led to recent questions about his political future:

Foreign Policy Setback: In April 2026, Vance led a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran that ultimately failed. Analysts have described the lack of a deal as "political baggage" that may haunt a future run.

The "Rubio Factor": Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also seen a surge in popularity, making gains in recent straw polls. While Vance and Rubio have joked about a joint ticket, they are currently the two most likely rivals for the top of the 2028 ballot.

Coalition Uncertainty: Some political strategists question whether the "Trump coalition" will hold together for Vance without Trump himself on the ticket, especially heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Vance himself has dismissed 2028 talk as "premature," stating his current focus is on his duties as Vice President rather than future campaigns.

Is JD Vance’s Presidential Bid Over Before It’s Started?

White House rejects claim Trump sought nuclear codes

White House rejects claim Trump sought nuclear codes

The White House has denied an unverified claim that President Donald Trump sought to use U.S. nuclear codes during a tense meeting on the Iran crisis. The allegation, made by former CIA officer Larry Johnson, has not been corroborated by credible sources or officials. The dispute comes as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire nears its expiration, heightening tensions over potential military escalation.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/insight/general-reportedly-blocked-trump-from-using-nuclear-codes/gm-GMLEFEF1A2#:~:text=The%20White%20House%20has%20denied,out%20Military%20readiness%20under%20strain

Explosive claim sparks political storm

Nuclear command reality vs. rumor

Ceasefire clock running out

Military readiness under strain

Explosive claim sparks political storm

A viral allegation by former CIA officer Larry Johnson claimed President Trump tried to access nuclear codes during an emergency White House meeting on the Iran crisis. Johnson alleged that General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, refused the directive, leading to a heated confrontation. The White House has categorically denied the claim, and no credible outlet or official has verified that nuclear launch authority was ever invoked. Newsweek + 1

President Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington.

Newsweek

Nuclear command reality vs. rumor

Under U.S. Nuclear Command and Control protocols, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs serves as an advisor, not a commander, and a launch order requires verification from the Secretary of Defense. Experts note that a general simply refusing a lawful order would constitute a constitutional crisis. Senator Thom Tillis expressed skepticism, saying he could not imagine such a scenario being seriously considered. Newsweek

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is set to expire on April 22, with President Trump signaling a hardline stance if talks fail. Trump previously warned on social media of catastrophic consequences, fueling concerns over nuclear rhetoric. The allegation’s timing adds to tensions as diplomatic efforts falter and Vice President Vance’s trip to Islamabad faces delays amid Iranian indecision. Axios World + 1

Military readiness under strain

The war with Iran has depleted U.S. missile stockpiles, with nearly half of key munitions like Precision Strike, THAAD, and Patriot missiles expended. Analysts warn this creates a near-term vulnerability, particularly against near-peer adversaries, with replenishment expected to take three to five years. While sufficient for ongoing operations against Iran, the shortfall limits flexibility in other theaters. CNN

Was Donald Trump 'blocked' from using the nuclear codes against Iran?

Was Donald Trump 'blocked' from using the nuclear codes against Iran?

Reports that Donald Trump was "blocked" from using nuclear codes against Iran refer to unverified claims circulating in April 2026, though they may also be confused with historically documented concerns from the end of his first term in January 2021.

Recent 2026 Allegations (Unverified)

As of April 2026, viral reports based on claims by a retired CIA analyst, Larry Johnson, allege that President Trump attempted to access nuclear codes during an emergency meeting regarding Iran but was stopped by a senior military official, identified as General Dan Caine.

The Claim: Johnson alleged that a "heated confrontation" occurred where General Caine refused the request by invoking military law (specifically the UCMJ) to prevent what he viewed as an unlawful escalation.

Official Status: The White House has denied these claims, and fact-checkers have noted there is no credible or verified evidence that such a meeting or confrontation took place.

Context: These rumors emerged amid ongoing US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets and a tense temporary ceasefire.

Historical 2021 Concerns (Documented)

The concept of "blocking" Trump from nuclear authority first gained major attention in January 2021, following the Capitol riot.

Nancy Pelosi's Request: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi contacted General Mark Milley, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss precautions to prevent an "unstable president" from initiating military hostilities or accessing launch codes.

General Milley’s Actions: According to reports in the book Peril by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, Milley took "secret action" by instructing senior military officers that he must be involved in any discussion of a nuclear launch. While Milley could not legally "block" a president—as the president has sole authority—he aimed to ensure the established process (which includes consultation) was followed.

Nuclear Authority Facts

Legally, the U.S. President has sole authority to authorize the use of nuclear weapons. While military leaders are required to follow lawful orders, they are duty-bound to refuse an order that is clearly unlawful under the laws of armed conflict.