US President Donald Trump on Tuesday acknowledged that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” the heir to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement but added that it was “too early” to confirm any such succession.
The comment followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s endorsement of Vance as a “great nominee” for the future. Trump responded, “I think most likely, in all fairness, he’s the vice president. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.”
Speaking to reporters, Trump stopped short of giving a full-throated endorsement, instead hinting at a broader talent pool: “I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here.”
2028 race chatter begins early
Trump’s comments come at a time when the political class is already looking ahead to the 2028 presidential race. Though the 2024 election is yet to be held, analysts say Trump’s remarks could influence how GOP contenders position themselves in the post-Trump landscape.
He said Vance, the freshman senator-turned-vice president, would “probably be favored at this point,” indicating his growing stature within the Republican base.
No third term: Trump
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump also weighed in on his own political future. Speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, he said, “I’d like to run. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.” However, he added that he would “probably not” seek a third term, a move barred by the US Constitution.
The statement appears aimed at quelling speculation while redirecting the spotlight to his likely successors.
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Vance’s rising profile within the GOP
JD Vance, known for his Hillbilly Elegy memoir and his meteoric rise in conservative politics, has become a prominent figure in the Trump orbit. Since being named Trump’s running mate, Vance has aligned closely with MAGA values, speaking out on foreign policy, immigration, and tech regulation.
Political observers say Trump’s latest remarks, though not definitive, send a clear signal to the GOP base: the MAGA brand may outlive Trump himself, and Vance could be its next torchbearer.
