Former President Donald Trump once again extolled Secretary of State Marco Rubio following his appearance at the Munich Security Conference. However, Trump stopped short of endorsing any candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
Using his own platform, Truth Social, Trump showered the Cuban-American former senator with compliments while simultaneously criticizing Democratic figures.
"I'm heading to Washington D.C. Soon, I'll hold a press conference aboard Air Force One. Marco was outstanding in Munich! AOC and Newsom embarrassed our nation. They shouldn't badmouth America, especially on 'foreign soil.' They looked ridiculous, and they always will! The corrupt Hillary only displayed her rage and Trump's insanity. Terrible representatives of our now successful country!" Trump wrote.
This statement not only emphasized his support for Rubio but also maintained Trump's typical combative tone against his political adversaries, whom he accused of undermining the United States abroad.
Endorsements from Air Force One, Yet No Promises
Hours later, aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his positive assessment of both Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, amidst mounting speculation about who might lead the Republican Party after the end of his second term.
When asked directly by reporters whether he would support Vance or Rubio in 2028, Trump replied, "That's something I don't have to worry about now. I still have three years left."
Nevertheless, he praised both figures again: "JD is fantastic. And Marco, both are fantastic. I think Marco did a great job in Munich."
Trump has so far avoided committing to a clear successor, although he has repeatedly highlighted both Vance and Rubio as prominent figures within the Republican movement.
Last year, he stated that Vance is "very likely" the heir to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, but he also noted that Rubio would be a "great candidate."
Diverse Profiles within Trumpism
These remarks come after Rubio received positive feedback for his participation in the Munich Security Conference.
In Germany, Rubio emphasized the shared heritage between the United States and Europe and advocated for a "common path" toward the future, aligning with key aspects of the Trump administration's policies on Western dominance, immigration, and skepticism towards climate policies.
His tone was considered more moderate compared to the address delivered a year earlier by Vance at the same forum.
On that occasion, the vice president criticized European allies and focused his speech on cultural divisions, a move that was seen as straining relations between Washington and the European Union.
Rubio, in later comments to Bloomberg News, clarified that he did not dismiss Vance's approach but sought to explain the administration's strategic reasoning in more detail.
At 54 years old, with a long history as an anti-communist hawk, Rubio has adopted Trump's firm stance on foreign policy, though he maintains a more institutional style and favors discreet negotiation.
Vance, aged 41, entered national politics following the success of his memoirs about life in working-class communities in Ohio and Kentucky, becoming one of the most prominent faces of the anti-elite, disruptive wing of the MAGA movement.
Underlying Rivalry and Political Calculations
For months, Trump has privately and occasionally publicly fueled the perception of a rivalry between the two. At various times, he has hinted that one or the other might be better positioned to take the Republican torch, without ever closing the door on either option.
For now, the former president insists that succession is not an immediate priority.
"I still have three years," he repeats. However, his ongoing praise for Rubio—especially following his performance in Munich—and his consistent recognition of Vance keep the internal race for Republican leadership in the post-Trump era wide open.
The message is clear: both are "fantastic." But the definitive endorsement, at least for now, remains in limbo.
Insights on Trump's Endorsements and Political Strategy
Why hasn't Trump endorsed a successor for 2028?
Trump has strategically avoided committing to a clear successor to maintain influence over the Republican Party and keep his options open as political dynamics evolve.
What are the key differences between Marco Rubio and JD Vance within the Republican movement?
Marco Rubio is known for his institutional approach and focus on foreign policy, while JD Vance represents the anti-elite, disruptive wing of the MAGA movement, emphasizing cultural and economic issues.