Rubio or Vance – whom Trump sees as the next US president
Trump privately calls Vance his likely successor for the 2028 election, The Washington Post reports. At a closed meeting in the Oval Office, he told donors: "Ultimately, we have to choose J.D." Publicly, he fuels speculation by proposing a joint ticket of Vance and Rubio. Sources cite reasons for delaying the announcement: his volatile decisions, lame-duck status, and love of drama. Vance leans on MAGA, Rubio on traditional donors. Rubio is unlikely to accept the role of running mate.
Donald Trump privately calls Vice President J.D. Vance his most likely successor for the 2028 election, The Washington Post reports. At a recent closed meeting in the Oval Office, Trump directly told donors: "Ultimately, we have to choose J.D." However, publicly he continues to fuel speculation by proposing the idea of a joint ticket of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, without specifying who would lead it. Sources from the president's circle and analysts highlight several reasons why an official announcement should not be expected: Trump's volatile decisions, the threat of lame-duck status, and his love of drama. Trump even spreads "Trump 2028" graphics, despite having no real plans to run again. Vance relies on the young MAGA movement and party donors, aiming exclusively for the top of the ticket. Rubio, juggling key foreign policy posts, has temporarily stepped back from election talk and reduced his media presence. Experts doubt Rubio would agree to be merely Vance's running mate. Both favorites are waiting, while Trump continues to orchestrate the main political intrigue.