Trump signals JD Vance as 'most likely' Republican heir for 2028

Trump and VP Vance attend Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, 26 May, 2025
Reuters

For the first time, President Donald Trump has publicly floated Vice President JD Vance as the potential standard-bearer of the Republican Party for the 2028 election, suggesting he is “most likely” to carry the political torch forward.

“Well, I think most likely,” Trump said, responding to a question about whether Vance was the heir apparent to the political movement he has built. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”

The remarks mark a notable shift for Trump, who has previously avoided endorsing any 2028 candidate. In February, he described Vance as “very capable” but added it was premature to name a successor.

Trump also proposed a future Republican ticket featuring both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “That would be some team,” he reportedly said.

JD Vance, 40, a former Marine and author, has become one of the most visible figures in Trump’s administration. He has taken on an expansive role that spans both domestic messaging and international diplomacy. As Trump’s second-in-command, he has acted as a key policy surrogate, making frequent appearances at rallies and summits.

Marco Rubio, once a rival of Trump in the 2016 primaries, has reinvented his political path as a central player in Trump’s foreign policy strategy. He is the first official since Henry Kissinger to hold both the posts of secretary of state and national security adviser.

Political analysts have noted that Trump’s endorsement, even implied, could significantly shape the early field for 2028.

“Trump’s base remains deeply loyal, and anyone he hints at as a successor will instantly gain traction,” said political strategist Carla Munroe. “This could clear the lane for Vance very early.”

Although the next presidential cycle is still more than three years away, early speculation is mounting. The suggestion of a Vance-Rubio ticket indicates Trump’s intent to solidify his legacy and ensure continuity in both domestic and foreign policy.

As Trump continues to wield major influence in Republican politics, his words are likely to shape not only the outcome of 2028 but also the strategies of those aspiring to the nomination.

Tags