In a striking moment that could shape the future of the Republican Party, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance as the “most likely” candidate to secure the GOP nomination for the 2028 presidential election.
Speaking at the South Court Auditorium during a ceremony to sign an executive order for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics task force, Trump responded to a pointed question about the future of the MAGA movement. “Well, I think most likely,” Trump said when asked if Vance was the heir-apparent. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president. And he’s doing a great job. He would be probably favored at this point”.
Trump’s remarks mark his clearest signal yet of support for a successor, after months of speculation and previous reluctance to name a preferred candidate. The president also floated the idea of a potential Vance-Rubio ticket, praising Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.”
JD Vance, a former Marine and bestselling author turned senator, has risen rapidly within the Trump administration, serving as chief domestic policy advocate and diplomatic envoy. His alignment with Trump’s populist agenda and his growing national profile have made him a favorite among MAGA loyalists.
While Trump reiterated that it’s “too early” to make definitive predictions, his comments have already ignited buzz across conservative circles and political media. Rubio, once a rival of Trump in the 2016 primaries, has since become a key ally and recently endorsed Vance as a strong future nominee.
Despite constitutional limits barring a third term, Trump’s continued influence over the GOP remains undeniable. Merchandise bearing slogans like “Trump 2028” and “Rewrite the Rules” still circulates, though Trump confirmed in a CNBC interview that he would “probably not” seek another term.