On his first vice-presidential trip to the caucus state, Vance campaigned for Representative Zach Nunn as polls showed 48% disapproval for him and 65% disapproval of Trump's economic handling.
Iowa Republicans said his closeness to Trump could either boost him as an early front-runner or hurt him if tariffs, high diesel costs and wider economic strains keep weighing on the state's farm sector.
Potential 2028 rivalry with Marco Rubio also surfaced, while allies said Vance is already building national midterm campaign infrastructure even as he publicly avoids discussing a presidential run.
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As top officials signal different foreign policy visions, what is America’s future role on the world stage?