Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly begun informal discussions with advisers about who might lead the Republican Party in the 2028 presidential election. According to people familiar with the conversations cited by Axios, Trump has been asking close confidants whether Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be the stronger candidate to carry the party forward after his presidency.
Sources say Vance, whom Trump selected as his running mate, remains the president’s preferred option. As vice president, he already has political connections and organizational support that could help launch a future campaign. Rubio, meanwhile, has not made similar preparations and has reportedly indicated that he would back Vance if the vice president chooses to run for president. Despite that, Trump has recently offered increasing praise for Rubio in both public remarks and private discussions. Advisers say Rubio’s role as secretary of state and national security adviser has elevated his national and international profile, placing him at the center of key global and domestic policy issues. Trump has also contrasted the two men’s political styles, describing Rubio as more diplomatic while characterizing Vance as more combative in his approach.
Some advisers caution that Trump’s questions about potential successors should not be seen as a sign that his support for Vance is weakening. One adviser told Axios that Trump’s ideal scenario for 2028 would be a Vance–Rubio ticket, with Vance leading the presidential bid and Rubio as his running mate. However, the adviser added that Trump would also be comfortable with the reverse arrangement if circumstances changed. For now, Trump has not publicly endorsed a specific successor. According to aides, he prefers to keep such conversations informal so potential candidates can focus on their current responsibilities while the party prepares for the crucial 2026 midterm elections.
