President Donald Trump deflected questions from reporters on Tuesday about whether he would pursue a third term, calling it a long shot he “probably” wouldn’t consider. However, when asked about his preferred successor, Trump expressed confidence about who he believes will secure the Republican nomination in 2028.
As in previous election cycles, the GOP presidential primary is expected to be a competitive scramble featuring former allies, longtime rivals, and likely several former members of Trump’s administration. The field has grown so large in recent years that news networks now host two separate debate stages, each accommodating up to 12 candidates based on polling.
If the 2028 race follows a similar pattern, Vice President J.D. Vance is “probably favored” to advance to the general election, Trump told Fox News’ Peter Doocy. “You could clear the entire Republican field right now,” Doocy told Trump during his signing ceremony establishing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics task force. “Do you agree that the heir-apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?”
In his response, Trump hinted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who challenged him in the 2016 primary, would make an excellent running mate for J.D. Vance on the 2028 Republican 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 replied.
“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,” he added. “And he would be probably favored at this point.”
The president also highlighted several other cabinet members he believes would resonate well with the MAGA movement as it looks for its next leader. Rubio has shown deference toward Vance when questioned about his own presidential ambitions. “I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that,” Rubio told Lara Trump in an interview that Fox aired last month.
He also emphasized his satisfaction with his current role leading the administration’s foreign affairs efforts and praised Vance for effectively maintaining open communication between President Trump and the millions of conservative activists who helped secure his return to the White House.