Donald Trump signals preference for JD Vance as 2028 successor

Donald Trump is navigating the potential political futures of two key allies, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, regarding the 2028 presidential election. While Trump has publicly praised Rubio, calling him a ‘master’ and suggesting he could be the greatest diplomat in history, he has reportedly signaled a different preference to donors.

According to reports, Trump has privately told donors at the White House that the Republican Party should select JD Vance as his successor. Vance has already begun building political networks and serves as the chairman of the Republican National Committee's finance committee. Public opinion polling indicates Vance currently holds 38 percent support among Republican voters, compared to 24 percent for Rubio.

Rubio, who also serves as a national security advisor, has not yet taken formal steps toward a 2028 candidacy. Sources close to Rubio suggest he is hesitant to enter a direct conflict with Vance and remains satisfied with his current influential roles. Trump has also suggested that the two could function as an ‘invincible’ team together.