President Donald Trump has reportedly been asking friends and colleagues to choose between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his potential successor in 2028, according to the New York Times. The conversations, which take place at Mar-a-Lago and over dinners, are said to be lighthearted, but they have ignited debate within Republican circles.
Vance, 41, is considered the frontrunner due to his appeal among moderate Republicans, while Rubio, 54, brings decades of political experience and a multifaceted role in the current administration. Trump often suggests the two men, whom he calls “kids,” should run on the same ticket.
Vance has taken on a larger role in foreign affairs, leading peace negotiations with Iran and supporting former Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán. He has also been deployed to rallies in the Midwest to connect with voters ahead of the midterms. However, his recent stumble during a speech in Iowa drew negative attention, and public polling shows voters view him mostly unfavourably.
Rubio, though less known to the public according to a Pew Research Center poll, has gained attention through a meme highlighting his many roles, including acting National Security Adviser and former acting head of USAID. He has been involved in discussions with Iran and efforts to reform Cuba’s government, and has taken on a public spokesman role by leading White House press briefings.
Despite the speculation, Rubio has publicly stated he would not run against Vance if he sought the presidency. “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 said in a Vanity Fair interview last year.
