President Donald Trump signaled on Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance would likely be the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The remarks came during an event at the South Court Auditorium, where President Trump signed an executive order to establish a federal task force in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump if Vance was “the heir-apparent to MAGA,” pointing out that the president has previously stated he will not run for a third term.
“You could clear the entire Republican field right now,” Doocy said.
In response, President Trump suggested Vance would be the likely favorite, while also naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential partner in a future ticket.
“Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he’s the vice president, and I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said.
He added, “I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here. So it’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job. And he would be probably favored at this point.”
Q: “Do you agree that the heir apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?”
President Trump: “It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favored at this point.” pic.twitter.com/LjiPwMD0Ko [3]
— CSPAN (@cspan) August 5, 2025 [4]
President Trump also mentioned that other members of his Cabinet could play a role in carrying the MAGA agenda forward after his second term concludes.
Although Trump and several of his allies have publicly discussed the idea of a third term, the U.S. Constitution bars any president from serving more than two terms.
Marco Rubio, who ran against Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, has since become one of the president’s key Cabinet members and a close ally. He currently serves as Secretary of State.
Last month, Rubio downplayed speculation that he might be eyeing a presidential run of his own in 2028, instead backing Vance as a strong potential nominee.
“I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that,” Rubio said during an interview with Lara Trump on the Fox News Channel program “My View with Lara Trump.”
pic.twitter.com/BcFG1Y9UI9 [5]
Marco Rubio throws his support behind JD Vance for 2028 and says “Well, I think JD Vance would be a great nominee. If he decides he wants to do that.”— Gary D (@KMGGaryde) July 27, 2025 [6]
Rubio also praised Vance’s work as vice president, stating during the segment that he is content in his role serving in the Trump administration.
President Trump has not formally endorsed any candidate for the 2028 election but acknowledged that Vance, currently serving as vice president, would be a natural favorite to continue leading the America First movement.