President Donald J. Trump is already shaping the conversation around 2028—and if his latest comments are any indication, the next Republican standard-bearer may already be standing beside him.

In an interview Tuesday, the President signaled that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” to carry the MAGA banner into the next presidential cycle. The remarks, made during an exchange with Fox News’ Peter Doocy, stopped short of a formal endorsement but left little doubt as to who holds pole position.

“I think most likely,” Trump said. “He’s the Vice President.”

But it was the next name he dropped that raised eyebrows across Washington.

Trump suggested a future partnership between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—his onetime 2016 rival turned key foreign policy voice in the Trump administration.

“Marco is somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said, while praising the “incredible people” in his Cabinet who could shape the post-Trump era.

The mention of Rubio marks a strategic pivot. Once considered out of step with the populist, America First wing of the Republican Party, Rubio has evolved into a respected figure within the Trump administration, particularly on foreign policy. A Vance-Rubio ticket could signal an intentional unification of MAGA populism with traditional conservative credentials—a tactical move to consolidate the GOP heading into 2028.

Despite the buzz, Trump reiterated that he has no plans to run for a third term—something the Constitution prohibits.

“Probably not,” he said when asked if he’d consider running again, though he’s often teased the idea in a tongue-in-cheek fashion that keeps media critics guessing and supporters fired up.

Insiders say Trump’s refusal to fully endorse any one successor may be deliberate—meant to freeze the 2028 field and keep the spotlight firmly on his administration. But whether by accident or design, the 45th and 47th President may have already defined the race.

Rubio himself appeared to embrace the idea of a Vance candidacy during a July interview on My View With Lara Trump:

“Well, I think JD Vance would be a great nominee. If he decides he wants to do that. I think he’s doing a great job as Vice President. He’s a close friend and I hope he intends to do it,” Rubio said.

“It’s kind of early, you know, but being in the role that I’m in here at the Secretary of State, I really don’t play in politics,” he added. “There’s actually rules against me being involved in domestic politics.”

Still, Rubio left the door open:

“You never know what the future holds. You never rule things out or anything.”

Rubio has described Vance as “one of my closest friends in politics.” Their alliance—should it materialize—could prove formidable.

And the betting markets seem to agree.

Polymarket, a popular prediction platform, launched early odds for the 2028 race, and Vance is already in the lead with a commanding 27% share. His nearest rival, California Governor Gavin Newsom, sits at 17%, followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 10%. Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and others round out the top tier.

Kamala Harris—who was the Democratic nominee in 2024 and briefly served as Vice President—finds herself in a distant position, with just 4% support. Surprisingly, that puts her behind President Donald Trump, who, after completing his historic second term, is constitutionally ineligible for a third run.

As the President continues shaping the GOP’s future, his subtle but unmistakable backing of Vance—paired with Rubio’s possible inclusion—shows that Trump’s vision for America First is already preparing for its next chapter.