Trump says Vice President JD Vance is his ‘most likely’ heir apparent in 2028

President Donald Trump publicly suggested that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” the heir apparent to lead the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement into the 2028 Republican nomination.

Trump acknowledged Vance’s high-profile role in his administration but stopped short of an official endorsement.

During an event announcing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics task force, Trump was asked by a reporter if Vance represented the future of MAGA.

He replied, “Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he’s the vice president,” and added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio “maybe would get together with JD in some form.” However, he emphasized the timing was early and highlighted other potential leaders.

Trump had previously described Vance as “very capable” in February 2025, but said at the time it was too early to designate a successor.

The latest comments mark his strongest indication to date—but remain speculative rather than binding. Notably, Trump did not say Vance is the official nominee or heir, merely offered a personal view.

Vance, 40, a former US senator from Ohio and a Marine veteran, has assumed a visible leadership role within the administration, especially on domestic policy and outreach to conservative grassroots.

At the 2025 CPAC conference, he garnered 61% support in the annual straw poll—further elevating his national profile.

Rubio, also cited by Trump as a potential ticket partner, holds the rare dual roles of Secretary of State and Acting National Security Adviser, akin to Henry Kissinger’s legacy.

Though he publicly downplayed his own potential 2028 ambition, he praised Vance, stating he would make a “great nominee if he decides to do that.”

Trump’s remarks immediately stoked speculation about the 2028 GOP field, even though he remains constitutionally ineligible for a third term.

Analysts note that any statement of preference from Trump, given his continued influence over the Republican base, could significantly shape early dynamics—even without formal endorsement.

Political observers caution that Trump's strategy may involve keeping options open while wielding influence indirectly. As of now, no official succession plan or endorsement has been announced.

The framing—“most likely”, “maybe”, “it’s too early”—underscores uncertainty about the eventual nominee and suggests internal competition may still emerge.