Vance or Rubio? Trump tests 2028 waters as succession chatter builds before midterms

Trump is informally gauging support for JD Vance or Marco Rubio as potential 2028 GOP nominee while keeping both close

• Trump informally weighs Vance or Rubio for 2028 GOP ticket
• Vance remains favored, but Rubio's profile is rising
• Both Vance and Rubio publicly deny any rivalry

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US President Donald Trump has begun informally floating a 2028 question among advisers and confidants: JD Vance or Marco Rubio?

According to a report by Axios, Trump has been asking people which of the two, the vice president or the secretary of state, should lead the Republican ticket after him. The conversations are framed casually, but come as Trump increasingly focuses on his legacy ahead of his final midterm elections.

Vance favored, Rubio rising

Axios reports that Trump continues to favor JD Vance, whom he chose as his running mate. But several sources told the outlet that Trump has also been praising Rubio more frequently, both in public and private, as Rubio’s profile grows through his roles as secretary of state and national security adviser.

One Trump adviser told Axios that 'Vance-Rubio is the president’s dream ticket' for 2028, 'and to be clear, that’s Vance on top.'

The same source said Trump would also be “absolutely” comfortable with a Rubio-Vance ticket.

All five sources cited by Axios cautioned that Trump’s musings should not be interpreted as a sign he is souring on Vance. Instead, they reflect his tendency to float ideas, encourage internal competition and keep options open.

A balancing act before the midterms

Trump’s advisers told Axios that he is unlikely to formally anoint a successor. Doing so could distract from the midterm elections and signal a transfer of influence.

Last year, Trump described Vance as 'most likely' his heir apparent, noting that 'in all fairness, he’s the vice president.' At the same time, he has publicly suggested that Rubio and Vance could 'get together' on a future ballot.

Behind the scenes, Trump reportedly enjoys weighing personalities against one another and gauging reactions from those around him.

Visibility matters

Rubio’s expanded portfolio has boosted his visibility. As secretary of state and national security adviser, he is frequently at the center of global developments, and Trump is known to consume news coverage closely.

By contrast, the vice presidency has no fixed operational portfolio, which can limit public exposure.

Trump recently praised Rubio’s performance in Munich, joking that if Rubio kept outperforming him publicly, 'you’re outta here.' At the same event, he described Vance as more of a 'pugilist,' while calling Rubio a diplomat who operates with a 'velvet glove.'

No visible rift

Despite the speculation, both camps have sought to tamp down talk of rivalry.

Rubio told Vanity Fair last year that if Vance runs, “he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him.” According to Axios, Rubio has reiterated that position privately to Vance.

Vance, in turn, told Fox News this week that Rubio is his “closest friend in the administration” and dismissed media narratives of tension.