In a fiery and unexpected public outburst, former President Donald Trump has turned his frustration toward Ohio Senator JD Vance, harshly criticizing him for what Trump called a “disastrous” debate performance. The scathing attack came just hours after Vance participated in a crucial Senate debate, one in which many believed he needed to deliver a strong showing to solidify his political standing ahead of the 2024 election. However, instead of offering support or a strategic defense, Trump lashed out, publicly blaming Vance for “blowing it.”

Trump’s rebuke reportedly began behind closed doors, where, according to insiders, the former president was furious with Vance’s performance. Vance, a key Trump ally who owes much of his political success to Trump’s endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, appeared visibly shaken during parts of the debate. He struggled to articulate clear answers on several issues, particularly healthcare and the economy, where his opponent delivered pointed critiques of Vance’s record. Vance’s inability to handle these challenges smoothly has drawn widespread criticism from political analysts, and apparently, from Trump himself.

It didn’t take long for Trump’s private frustration to spill out publicly. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump didn’t hold back: “JD, YOU BLEW IT! We gave you everything you needed to win, and you couldn’t even hold your own on that stage. I made you, and this is how you repay me?” Trump’s words were striking in their severity, especially given the history of loyalty between the two. Trump had thrown his full support behind Vance in a heated Senate primary, helping him overcome a crowded field of Republican candidates and eventually securing the seat. For Trump to so publicly denounce Vance so soon after the debate is a rare move, even for the former president, whose attacks are usually reserved for political enemies, not allies.

The fallout from Trump’s attack has been immediate and far-reaching. Political observers were quick to point out the irony of Trump turning on Vance, a man who once publicly criticized Trump before later aligning himself with the MAGA movement. Many within Republican circles expressed surprise at Trump’s willingness to throw Vance under the bus so quickly, with some speculating that Trump’s outburst could signal a broader strategy to distance himself from underperforming allies as he focuses on his own political future. Others, however, saw it as Trump trying to deflect attention away from his own mounting legal challenges and political vulnerabilities.

Vance, for his part, has not yet responded directly to Trump’s criticism, but insiders suggest that the relationship between the two may be irreparably damaged. Vance has always been a somewhat complicated figure within Trump’s circle. While his allegiance to Trump helped him secure political victory, his past comments — when he once called himself a “Never Trumper” — have always lingered in the background, creating a tension that Trump’s outburst may have now fully exposed.

The implications of Trump’s attack on Vance could ripple beyond just their personal relationship. Vance’s political future is now more uncertain than ever, as Trump’s disapproval carries significant weight within the Republican Party. While some of Trump’s base may remain loyal to Vance, others are likely to distance themselves, fearful of being caught in the crossfire of Trump’s wrath. Additionally, the former president’s behavior could alienate other GOP figures, who might now be wary of Trump’s unpredictable loyalty and quick temper.

The incident also raises questions about Trump’s influence in the GOP moving forward. While he remains a dominant figure in the party, episodes like this may reveal cracks in his control over the movement he helped build. As 2024 approaches, Trump’s willingness to publicly rebuke allies like Vance could signal a more volatile and fractured Republican landscape, one where loyalty to Trump is no longer a guaranteed ticket to success. For now, Vance is left to pick up the pieces of a debate performance that has not only dented his political standing but also put him squarely in Trump’s crosshairs.