JD or Marco? Trump Asking Advisers About 2028 Thoughts

As President Donald J. Trump advances through his second term in the White House, attention is already turning toward the future of the Republican Party — and according to a new report, the president has begun quietly weighing who should carry the America First mantle in 2028.

Axios reported that Trump has been informally asking advisers a pointed question: Who would make the stronger Republican nominee after his presidency — Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio?

Vance Seen as Heir Apparent

According to the outlet, Trump continues to view Vice President J.D. Vance as his preferred successor. After all, Vance is the sitting vice president, was personally selected by Trump as his running mate, and has already built the early framework of a potential national campaign operation.

Trump previously signaled as much, noting that Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent because, “in all fairness, he’s the vice president.”

Republican insiders also point to Vance’s expanding political footprint. He is expected to take a leading role in the 2026 midterms as finance chair of the Republican National Committee — a position that places him at the center of party strategy and fundraising nationwide.

One Trump adviser told Axios: “Vance-Rubio is the president’s dream ticket” for 2028 — “and to be clear, that’s Vance on top.” The adviser added, “But would Trump be happy with a Rubio-Vance ticket? Absolutely.”

Rubio’s Rising Profile

At the same time, Trump has increasingly praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both publicly and behind closed doors.

“But Trump has notably and increasingly praised Rubio, in public and private, for his rising profile as secretary of state and national security adviser,” said Axios.

Rubio’s dual role — leading American diplomacy abroad while serving as national security adviser — has elevated him to the center of global affairs during a volatile period on the world stage. In contrast, the vice presidency traditionally carries fewer defined responsibilities, something Axios noted in its analysis.

“Rubio’s twin responsibilities place him at the center of global affairs (as secretary of state) and the White House (as national security adviser),” said Axios. “The vice presidency, by contrast, has no clear portfolio.

“And that’s part of the problem for Rubio, according to those who know his thinking about 2028: It would be hard to go from his two high-impact jobs to vice president,” the outlet’s report continued.

Some advisers speculate that Trump’s frequent public praise of Rubio may be strategic — encouraging unity at the top of the ticket and reinforcing the idea of a Vance-Rubio partnership.

Trump himself jokingly underscored Rubio’s recent performance while hosting the first meeting of his Board of Peace.

“Marco, you really did yourself proud two days ago in Munich. In fact, so proud that I almost terminated his employ, because they were saying, ‘Why can’t Trump do this?’ I do, but I say it differently,” Trump said Thursday.

“But, Marco, don’t do any better than you did, please. Because if you do, you’re outta here,” Trump joked.

No Rift, Despite Media Speculation

Despite predictable media attempts to frame the discussion as a rivalry, both men have publicly rejected the narrative.

Rubio made his position clear last year.

“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,” Rubio told Vanity Fair.

The two remain close allies dating back to their time together in the U.S. Senate.

Vance reinforced that unity during an appearance with Martha MacCallum on Fox News’ “The Story.”

“Marco is my closest friend in the administration… I think it’s so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn’t any conflict,” Vance said.

Trump Focused on the Present — For Now

Advisers caution that Trump has not publicly endorsed a successor and continues to frame the discussions as informal. With the 2026 midterms approaching, party leaders remain focused on expanding Republican majorities and advancing the president’s America First agenda.

Still, it is unmistakable that the Republican bench is deep — and unlike the fractured Democratic field, the GOP’s leading figures are aligned behind a governing philosophy rooted in national sovereignty, economic growth, and constitutional fidelity.

Whether the eventual ticket reads Vance-Rubio or Rubio-Vance, one thing appears clear: President Trump intends to ensure that the movement he built does not fade when he eventually leaves office.