Trump names VP JD Vance as ‘most likely’ MAGA successor, hints at Rubio alliance for 2028

President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday(August 6) that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” to become the political heir to the MAGA movement, offering his strongest public suggestion yet that Vance could lead the Republican Party into the post-Trump era.

“Well, I think most likely,” Trump said when asked by Fox News’ Peter Doocy whether Vance was the heir apparent to his political brand. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”

The comments came during a press conference with several high-profile members of Trump’s cabinet, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, all rumored to have presidential ambitions of their own.


“I also think Marco is somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump added, referencing Rubio, who lost the 2016 GOP nomination to Trump but has since become a central figure in his administration. “We have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here.”

Trump noted that it was “too early” to make definitive predictions about 2028 but acknowledged that Vance “would be probably favorite at this point.”

The president's remarks mark a notable shift from earlier this year, when he declined to endorse a successor, telling NBC in May that it was "too soon." But Vance’s rapid rise, from bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy and Ohio senator to vice president, has been seen as a strategic positioning effort, especially given his close alignment with Trump’s foreign and economic policy agenda.

Rubio, who became the first person since Henry Kissinger to serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, told Fox News in July: “I think Vance is doing a great job as vice president. He’s a close friend and I hope he intends to do it but I know it’s kind of early.”

Both Rubio and Vance were once Trump critics but have since transformed into loyal allies. Now, the prospect of a Vance-Rubio ticket is drawing attention as a possible unifying slate for the Republican Party.

While the US Constitution bars Trump from seeking a third term, the president has stirred controversy by joking about another run. His campaign briefly sold “Trump 2028” merchandise earlier this year, raising eyebrows among constitutional scholars and political opponents alike.

But on Tuesday, Trump laughed off the idea, telling CNBC, “I would probably not run again, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.” Still, by calling Vance his “most likely” successor, Trump may have just cleared the path for 2028 and sent a clear message to the GOP base.