Trump Asks Donors About Rubio, Vance as 2028 Speculation Builds

President Donald J. Trump reportedly turned to a group of donors at his Mar-a-Lago estate for their opinions on two prominent figures within his administration: Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the gathering at the president’s Florida resort, Trump posed a simple question to the room.

“What do you think of JD Vance and Marco Rubio?” Trump asked, according to reporting from The Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the event told the outlet that the response was enthusiastic for both men, though Rubio reportedly received the louder applause from donors in attendance. The informal show of support came shortly after Trump elevated Rubio’s role in the administration’s public messaging.

Speaking at a press conference in Florida the day before, Trump noted that Vance had been “less enthusiastic” about the possibility of military action against Iran and highlighted differences in how the two leaders approach foreign policy and political strategy.

“He gets a little bit tough on occasion; we gotta slow him down on occasion,” Trump said about Vance.

Trump then contrasted that with Rubio’s diplomatic style.

“Then we have the opposite extreme,” Trump said.

“Marco does it with a velvet glove. But it’s a kill,” Trump said.

Despite the strong reaction Rubio received from donors, recent polling suggests that Vance may wield greater influence among voters within Trump’s political orbit.

A survey conducted by the Daily Mail in partnership with JL Partners between March 2 and March 3 asked respondents which figures hold the most influence inside Trump’s inner circle.

Vance led the survey with 19 percent of respondents naming him as the most influential. Rubio followed with 12 percent. Stephen Miller and Donald Trump Jr. tied for third place.

The poll included 1,020 registered voters and carried a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

The same survey indicated Rubio’s approval rating slipped slightly—from 40 percent in February to 36 percent by Friday. Thirty-four percent of respondents said they disapproved of the secretary of state, while 17 percent reported neutral views and 14 percent said they were unsure.

Both Vance and Rubio have dismissed speculation that the two are competing for influence inside the administration.

Vance addressed the rumors during a February interview with Fox News.

“Marco is my closest friend in the administration,” Vance said.

“I think it’s so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn’t any conflict,” Vance said.

Rubio has also sought to tamp down talk of rivalry, even commenting on speculation surrounding the 2028 presidential race. In an interview with Vanity Fair last year, Rubio said he would support Vance if the vice president decides to seek the presidency.

“If he runs for president in 2028, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said.

Trump himself has suggested that the two leaders could work together politically in the future.

“I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said last year.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. recently weighed in on discussions surrounding the vice president, arguing that online attacks against Vance appear coordinated.

“Arguably the most obvious and flagrant operation I’ve ever seen in the history of social media,” Trump Jr. said.

Trump’s question to donors comes as political observers increasingly look toward the post-2026 political landscape, with many already speculating about potential contenders in the 2028 presidential race.

For now, both Vance and Rubio remain key figures in Trump’s administration—two influential voices shaping policy while commanding strong support across different corners of the conservative movement.