Current U.S. President, Donald Trump, is once again stirring political speculation within the Republican Party by persistently questioning his advisors about a decision that is shaping up to be crucial for 2028.
"Should Marco Rubio or JD Vance lead the Republican ticket after my term?" This is the question Trump has been increasingly posing to his advisors in the Oval Office, according to reports from Axios.
Recently, Trump has been lavish in his praise for the current Secretary of State, highlighting his performance on the international stage, such as at the Munich Security Conference where he received accolades from global leaders and analysts. This growing prominence has sparked rumors that Rubio could become a top contender for the presidency in 2028, even if Trump remains noncommittal towards any candidate.
During the Peace Board's launch event, a new initiative spearheaded by the White House, Trump spoke highly of Rubio—jokingly mentioning he considered firing him—using a mix of humor and admiration that did not go unnoticed by political analysts and the international press.
Despite these compliments, Trump has been reluctant to openly endorse Rubio as his natural successor. In a conversation with the press aboard Air Force One, he made it clear that he is not yet ready to appoint a definite candidate, though he emphasized that both Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are "fantastic" figures within the party.
Trump's strategic ambiguity has fueled speculation that he seeks to balance internal party factions that support each candidate: Rubio, with his international profile and stronghold among conservative and Cuban-American voters, and Vance, seen by many as the natural heir due to his role as vice president.
Rubio, for his part, has not ruled out a future presidential bid and has acknowledged that a leadership role on the global stage—similar to his foreign policy experience—could bolster his profile for a possible candidacy.
For now, within Trumpism, it appears that both Rubio and Vance will remain central to discussions about the future Republican era, with Donald Trump as the main arbiter of this internal debate that will shape the direction of the American right in the coming years.
Key Questions About Trump's 2028 Successor
Why is Donald Trump not endorsing a successor yet?
Trump is likely maintaining strategic ambiguity to balance support between different factions within the Republican Party and to keep his options open.
What strengths does Marco Rubio bring to the potential candidacy?
Marco Rubio is known for his international experience and strong appeal among conservative and Cuban-American voters, which could enhance his candidacy profile.
How is JD Vance viewed within the Republican Party?
JD Vance is considered by many as the natural heir to Trump's legacy due to his position as vice president and his alignment with Trump's policies.