Trump’s Shocking 2028 Plan: Vance or Rubio?

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President Trump is quietly grooming Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his top successors for 2028, signaling a strong MAGA legacy that promises to crush leftist agendas and secure conservative victories long-term.

Story Snapshot

Trump informally polls advisers on JD Vance vs. Marco Rubio to lead the 2028 Republican ticket, favoring Vance as heir apparent.
Advisers hail a potential Vance-Rubio “dream team” with Vance on top, ensuring MAGA continuity without internal rifts.
Vance dominates polls at 48% while Rubio gains from strong diplomatic performances in crises like Venezuela and Panama Canal.
Trump’s *Apprentice*-style competition among his “Kids” keeps GOP united ahead of 2026 midterms, sidelining Democrat hopes.

Trump’s Legacy Planning Begins

President Donald Trump has started casual conversations with advisers about who should head the Republican ticket in 2028. He specifically asks whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio deserves the top spot. Trump views Vance as his heir apparent from the 2024 victory but praises Rubio’s recent successes. This move reflects Trump’s focus on building a lasting conservative legacy during his second term. No public endorsement emerges yet, preserving unity.

Vance and Rubio Emerge as Frontrunners

Vice President JD Vance, aged 42, leads early polls with 48% support as of December 2025. His Ohio roots and Silicon Valley ties strengthen MAGA base appeal. He enforces tough policies, such as pressuring Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 55, rises through diplomatic wins in Panama Canal negotiations and Venezuela operations. Trump calls them his “Kids” privately, fostering friendly competition. Advisers see Rubio as a strong complement to Vance’s strengths.

An Axios insider describes a Vance-Rubio ticket as the ideal pairing, with Vance leading. Rubio publicly supports Vance as his closest friend and dismisses rivalry talk. Vance echoes this on Fox News, calling competition absurd. Their past criticisms of Trump in 2016 have transformed into loyal service, proving redemption through results that align with conservative priorities like America First foreign policy.

Historical Path to Succession Talks

Succession discussions trace back to Trump’s 2024 win and Vance’s VP selection. Trump labeled Vance his likely heir in 2025. Rubio shifted from 2016 primary foe to key administration role, including National Security Adviser. By May 2025, Trump named Rubio a potential successor. Early February 2026 NBC interview highlighted Vance as frontrunner and Rubio for a dream team. Axios reported these adviser chats on February 22, 2026, amid midterm preparations.

Prediction markets and RealClearPolitics confirm Vance’s lead over Rubio at 9%. Rubio lacks formal campaign structure but benefits from White House proximity. Trump avoids picking sides to maintain focus on current victories over Biden-era failures like open borders and inflation.

Implications for GOP Future

Short-term, these talks boost GOP unity for 2026 midterms, keeping Trump central. Long-term, a Vance-Rubio dynamic locks in MAGA principles against globalism and government overreach. Vance appeals to the industrial heartland base; Rubio broadens reach with his immigrant success story and institutional savvy. Democrats face a tough matchup either way, lacking the populist fire.