Trump’s Succession Maneuvering: Vance vs. Rubio

President Donald Trump has repeatedly asked advisers, donors and friends whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should succeed him. Sources say he has floated a joint ticket for the 2028 presidential election, describing the conversations as polling rather than a formal plan.

AlternetNew York Times

A Pew survey shows 75 percent of Republican voters view Vance favorably, compared with 64 percent for Rubio; 19 percent have never heard of the secretary of state. The Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll gives Vance a 35 percent approval rating, making him the second-most recognizable figure in the Trump administration after the former president.

AlternetNew York Times

Rubio told Vanity Fair that, should Vance run, “he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of first people to support him.” Vance, speaking at a Des Moines factory, attacked Democratic policies and referenced his background. Trump’s advisers describe questioning as informal polling, noting 2028 race is not priority. At donor dinner, attendees applauded Rubio more loudly than Vance when asked for preference.

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The Wall Street Journal said Trump’s behavior amounts to “casting about for a suitable heir to his MAGA empire,” implying the tactic fuels internal rivalry and could destabilize party unity ahead of midterms. Observers warn that pitting two rising Republicans against each other may distract from campaign goals.

Alternet

Sources differ on Vance’s standing: while 75 percent of Republicans view him favorably, his 35 percent approval rating suggests limited enthusiasm. No direct statement from Trump on a succession plan has been published, and timelines for any formal announcement remain unclear. Data on Rubio’s broader voter support beyond favorability is also absent.

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• “What do you think? JD or Marco?” — President Donald Trump (as reported by The New York Times)

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• “if JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him.” — Marco Rubio, former Senator (speaking to Vanity Fair)

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• “It’s heartbreaking for a kid who came from a union Democrat family to realize that Democrats these days, they seem to care more about gender transition than they do about you keeping more of your hard-earned money,” — JD Vance, Vice President

New York Times

• “Wow, OK,” — Pope Leo XIV (as reported in The New York Times)

New York Times

• “The 2028 election is more than 2½ years away, but it is very much on Trump’s mind, as he casts about for a suitable heir to his MAGA empire,” — The Wall Street Journal

Alternet

Rubio will travel to Italy to meet Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, then join Trump on a China visit. Vance will continue campaigning, with a recent factory stop in Des Moines. The two are likely to feature prominently in Republican primary discussions as the 2028 election cycle progresses.

New York Times