Shapiro did not hold back when reacting to Vance’s interview.
Taking to social media on Thursday, the Daily Wire founder questioned the vice president’s political direction while comparing several of Vance’s arguments to those commonly associated with prominent Democrats.
“I tuned into Joe Rogan yesterday and heard Bernie Sanders’ economics, Barack Obama’s foreign policy, and Ro Khanna’s conspiracy theories. And then I realized JD Vance was talking. I want a candidate in 2028 who doesn’t mirror the Democrats — and who can win,” Shapiro wrote Thursday on social media.
“Mr. VP, this is not the way,” he added.
The remarks quickly spread across conservative media and social platforms, with supporters and critics of both men weighing in on whether the Republican Party should continue embracing an America First economic agenda or return to a more traditional conservative platform centered on free markets and limited government.
Later that day, Shapiro expanded on his concerns during an episode of his YouTube program.
Before diving into policy disagreements, he made clear that his criticism was not personal.
According to Shapiro, Vance remains someone he genuinely likes and respects.
Shapiro said Vance was “charming and articulate” and “is a very nice person,” while also complimenting Second Lady Usha Vance.
However, he quickly pivoted toward what he believes is a much larger issue facing Republicans.
“But now it’s time to get down to brass tacks,” he then said. “Would we like a Republican Party that is essentially a horseshoe Democratic Party? I’m asking because that’s kind of what the VP sounded like on Joe Rogan.”
He continued, “I’m not sure what he’s doing. Now, listen, I want the Democrats to lose. Not because I don’t share their jersey, but because I do not share their fundamental principles. So I’m looking to support candidates who, number one, actually oppose Democratic policies. And two, can also win.”
Shapiro argued that Vance’s interview reflected a growing shift away from traditional conservative economic thinking.
He specifically objected to the vice president’s comments regarding government involvement in the economy and his broader criticism of America’s political and economic establishment.
“So yesterday, on Joe Rogan’s show, the Vice President made a strong case against free markets and meritocracy. He talked about the necessity of bold, intrusive government interventionism … and he promoted a conspiratorial view of the world that undermines the meritocracy.”
Shapiro added that he finds that “weird and concerning.”
The criticism underscores an increasingly visible divide within the Republican coalition. While many America First conservatives have embraced a more populist approach that favors government action to protect American industries and workers, others continue to defend the party’s longstanding commitment to free-market economics.
Vance’s appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast lasted nearly three hours and touched on numerous issues dominating today’s political landscape.
The vice president discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files, tensions involving Iran, and controversial remarks made by a UFC fighter regarding former First Lady Michelle Obama.
One of the interview’s most discussed moments came during a conversation about the Middle East.
Vance suggested that certain officials inside Israel preferred prolonged conflict rather than pursuing a negotiated resolution between the United States and Iran.
“There are some people within their system, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely,” Vance said. “Again, not towards any objective, but just indefinitely.”
Those remarks generated significant attention online and became one of the primary reasons Shapiro accused Vance of embracing positions more commonly heard from the political left.
Despite criticism from some conservative commentators, Vance continues to enjoy strong support among many Republican voters and remains one of the leading names discussed as a possible successor to President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also frequently mentioned among the GOP’s top potential presidential contenders.
President Trump himself has spoken favorably about both men.
During a recent appearance on the New York Post’s “Pod Force One” podcast, Trump was asked who he believes could lead the Republican Party into the next presidential election.
“I like them both,” Trump said, adding, “and I like them together.”
Trump has even floated the possibility of Vance and Rubio sharing the same Republican ticket in 2028, a scenario that would unite two of the party’s biggest rising stars.
Whether Shapiro’s criticism gains traction among Republican voters remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the debate over the future identity of the GOP is already well underway, with competing visions emerging over foreign policy, economic priorities, and the meaning of the America First movement as Republicans begin looking beyond the Trump era.
