Lincoln Project argues JD Vance is Donald Trump’s Brutus, would push him from presidency

The Lincoln Project has stirred the political pot once again, delivering a provocative message that suggests a potential seismic shift in Republican leadership should Donald Trump reclaim the presidency. 

In a newly released advertisement, the group frames Trump as a modern-day Julius Caesar, hinting at a betrayal from within his own ranks, specifically targeting his vice presidential nominee, JD Vance. 

This bold analogy posits that Vance could leverage his closeness to Trump to execute a political coup, ultimately replacing him if the GOP ticket secures victory in November.

The crux of the Lincoln Project's argument revolves around the 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a sitting president deemed unable to perform the duties of the office. 

According to the Project’s political operatives, this mechanism could be a pathway for the Republican establishment to push through the controversial Project 2025 agenda, which Trump himself has disavowed. 

In essence, they claim that if elected, Trump’s administration could be usurped by Vance, with the backing of a compliant Cabinet that agrees to declare Trump incapacitated.

Lincoln Project Chief of Staff Ryan Wiggins didn't mince words in expressing his views. He stated, “After the debate, Silicon bros, Republican power brokers, and the 60-year-old virgins at the Heritage Foundation see JD as a better salesman for their sick agenda.” 

This phrase not only captures a sense of desperation within the party but also highlights a faction that believes Vance is more palatable to traditional Republican ideals. 

Wiggins further critiques Trump’s personality, suggesting that the former president's insecurities prevent him from sharing the spotlight, which could ultimately be his downfall.

In an era where political alliances shift rapidly, the idea of a Brutus-like betrayal has resonated with audiences. This metaphor taps into deep-seated fears among Trump's supporters that his presidency could be undermined by those closest to him. 

The Lincoln Project seems to be capitalizing on this anxiety, portraying Vance as a potential usurper who is ready to ascend the political hierarchy, leveraging his appeal to the establishment. 

This portrayal of Vance as a younger, more stable alternative plays directly into the criticisms of Trump’s age and temperament, and it is clear that the Lincoln Project aims to sow doubt among Republican voters about their leader’s viability.

The advertisement itself employs familiar tactics that have become hallmarks of the Lincoln Project's campaign strategies. With breathy female narration addressing Trump directly, the ad engages in a rhetorical style designed to provoke. 

Phrases like “You’re in trouble in the courts, in the streets, and your own party” suggest that Trump is surrounded by turmoil, creating an atmosphere of urgency and foreboding. The ad also insinuates that Trump’s success is conditional, hinging on the loyalty of his vice president, who might harbor ulterior motives.

Moreover, the ad casts doubt on the narrative that Vance was a Trump-approved candidate, instead claiming that billionaires "forced" his nomination upon Trump. 

This angle undermines the idea that Vance is a staunch ally and implies that he is more of a pawn in a larger game played by the GOP establishment. Such framing resonates with narratives of elitism and manipulation that many voters, particularly in the Republican base, find distasteful.

The timing of this advertisement is crucial, occurring shortly after a debate where Vance allegedly outperformed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The Lincoln Project’s acknowledgment of Vance's debate performance indicates a strategic pivot, recognizing his potential to galvanize support and positioning him as a figure of intrigue within the party. 

As the campaign progresses, this narrative could significantly shape voter perceptions, not only of Trump but also of his running mate. By projecting Vance as the “younger, smarter, more stable” alternative, the Lincoln Project aims to plant seeds of doubt that could foster division within Republican ranks. 

In a party already fraught with internal conflict, such rhetoric may amplify existing fractures and lead to an unpredictable electoral landscape. Ultimately, the question remains: will Republican voters embrace this narrative, or will they double down on their allegiance to Trump, defying the ominous warnings of betrayal and political instability? The coming weeks will reveal the extent to which this provocative argument influences the political calculus in the lead-up to the election.