A report from the Daily Mail on Thursday claimed former Trump strategist and “War Room” host Steve Bannon was “in the early stages” of plotting a 2028 presidential run—potentially pitting him against Vice President JD Vance, widely seen as Donald Trump’s heir apparent.

According to the outlet’s “well-placed sources,” Bannon privately praised Vance but dismissed his toughness, reportedly saying, “Love him … but Vance is not tough enough to run in 2028.”

But just hours later, Bannon himself appeared to crush the speculation. Speaking to The National Pulse’s Raheem Kassam, he offered only two words in response to the rumors: “Trump 2028.”

Trump, meanwhile, has floated Vance as the likely MAGA standard-bearer, while teasing other possible names—most notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump even suggested the idea of a Vance–Rubio alliance, signaling an effort to unify different wings of the GOP.

“I think most likely [Vance],” Trump told reporters this week. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president… Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.”

Though Rubio was once a Trump rival and is known for his hawkish foreign policy, he has since become a key foreign policy voice in the administration. In July, Rubio publicly praised Vance, calling him “a close friend” and “a great nominee” if he decides to run.

Trump has said he would “probably not” seek a third term—something constitutionally barred but occasionally floated by him and his allies, half-joking and half-serious. Many analysts see this as part of Trump’s strategy to keep the 2028 field frozen until he’s ready to bless a successor.

For now, the MAGA world waits—while Bannon’s two-word statement leaves little doubt about where his loyalty lies.