U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, made his strongest statement yet that Vice President J.D. Vance might be his likely choice for successor in the 2028 presidential election, designating him as "most likely" to continue his political legacy.
"Well, I think most likely," Mr. Trump replied when asked by reporters whether Vance was the obvious successor to the political movement he had initiated. "In all fairness, he's the Vice-President.
Trump also tested the waters for a potential Republican ticket in the future that included both Mr. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, proposing an alliance between two of his top administration members.
While the 2028 election is still a couple of years off, Trump's blessing—let alone a suggestion of one—is well respected by the GOP base and will help drive the early dynamics of the contest.
Earlier, Trump had refrained from mentioning any favourite to succeed him in 2028. In February, he had referred to Vance's abilities as "very capable," but added that it was early to announce anyone as the favourite.
Now 40, a former Marine, Vance has emerged as the linchpin figure in Trump's administration. He has been instrumental both in pushing the President's domestic agenda throughout the U.S. and in advancing his foreign policy interests overseas.
On the other hand, Marco Rubio, a former Senator of Florida, has become prominent in the administration for his efforts especially in tackling complicated global issues. Interestingly, he is the first individual since Henry Kissinger to hold the positions of Secretary of State and National Security Adviser simultaneously.
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