President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance would likely be the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
The remarks came during an event at the South Court Auditorium, where Trump signed an executive order creating a task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked whether Vance would be the future of the Make America Great Again movement.
“You could clear the entire Republican field right now,” Doocy told Trump. “Do you agree that the heir-apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?”
Trump responded that Vance would probably be favored and floated the possibility of a Vance–Rubio ticket, suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio could play a key role.
“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 said.
He also added, “We have incredible people… but certainly he’s doing a great job. And he would be probably favored at this point.”
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump all-but clears the GOP 2028 presidential primary field, says JD VANCE is LIKELY the favorite.
DOOCY: Do you agree the heir apparent to MAGA is JD VANCE?
TRUMP: “I think MOST LIKELY. He’s the VP. Marco maybe would get together with JD…We have… pic.twitter.com/WL8QzqDAjq
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 5, 2025
Other Names Mentioned
Trump noted that other members of his Cabinet could also help lead the MAGA movement. Some allies have previously speculated about Trump running again, despite the constitutional limit of two terms.
Rubio on Board
Sen. Marco Rubio, once a rival during the 2016 primary, has become a loyal Trump ally. Last month, he dismissed rumors about a 2028 run and endorsed Vance.
“I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that,” Rubio told Lara Trump during a Fox News interview.
He also praised Vance’s performance as vice president and expressed satisfaction with his current role in Trump’s Cabinet.
