President Donald Trump has reportedly been asking friends and colleagues at Mar-a-Lago 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 question, posed during dinners and on the patio, is gaining momentum in Republican circles as both officials take on more prominent roles.
Vance vs Rubio: The Contenders
Vance, 41, is widely seen as the frontrunner to inherit Trump’s political legacy, thanks to his appeal among moderate Republicans. However, Rubio, 54, brings decades of political experience and a multifaceted role in the current administration that has resonated with many voters. Trump often refers to the two as “kids” and jokingly suggests they should run on the same ticket, according to advisers.
Vance’s Growing Role
Vance has stepped into foreign affairs, leading unsuccessful peace negotiations with Iran and attempting to rally support for former Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, who lost his re-election bid. Recently, he has been deployed to rallies in the Midwest to connect with voters ahead of the midterms. His background in a white working-class Appalachian family has helped him engage with voters, but a recent stumbling speech in Iowa drew negative attention.
Once a self-described “never Trump guy,” Vance’s evolution mirrors the Republican Party’s shift toward Trump. At a Turning Point USA event in April, after being heckled, Vance urged young voters not to disengage despite disagreements on the Iran war. “I’m not saying you have to agree with me on every issue. What I am saying is don’t get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one topic,” he said.
Rubio’s Many Hats
Rubio, a lesser-known official according to a Pew Research Center poll, has attracted public attention through a meme highlighting his many roles. Over the past year, Trump has made Rubio acting National Security Adviser, acting Archivist of the United States, and acting head of USAID. Each new role—from Secretary of Homeland Security to head of Spirit Airlines—has cemented his reputation as a trusted leader.
Rubio is deeply involved in foreign affairs, assisting with Iran discussions and leading efforts to reform Cuba’s communist government. He has also stepped into a public spokesman role, leading White House press briefings with jokes and making amends with Pope Leo XIV after the Vatican rebuked the administration’s Iran war.
Rubio’s Loyalty to Vance
Despite his rising profile, Rubio has publicly stated he would not run against Vance if the vice president seeks 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. This loyalty underscores the internal dynamics as Trump’s succession debate heats up.
