While signing a series of executive orders from the White House yesterday, President Donald Trump quietly gave some insight into his next move in politics.
And who he believes will succeed him in 2028.
Early Tuesday, Trump said that he would “probably not” seek a third term — a rumor that has been floating around for weeks.
However, Trump was asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy to give his thoughts on the 2028 race — specifically who he believes should be his replacement.
According to Trump, Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” going to be the Republican Party’s 2028 presidential nominee.
“This weekend, Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio said that he thought JD Vance would be a great nominee,” Doocy said.
“You could clear the entire Republican field right now. Do you agree that the heir-apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?”
“Well, I think most likely, in all fairness,” Trump replied.
“He’s the vice president. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.”
“I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here, so it’s too early obviously to talk about it,” he said.
“But certainly, [Vance] is doing a great job, and he would be probably favored at this point.”
Take a listen —
POTUS tells @pdoocy: JD Vance is “most likely” the next Republican nominee. pic.twitter.com/yymVv3daud
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) August 5, 2025
Last week, Rubio was asked by Fox News host and daughter-in-law of the president, Lara Trump, about the potential competitive field for the 2028 Republican presidential race.
“Well, I think JD Vance would be a great nominee,” Rubio said.
“And if you know, I think if he decides he wants to do that. And so, you know, and I think he’s doing a great job as vice president. He’s a close friend. And I hope he intends to do it.”
Rubio added that he wants to stay in his role as Secretary of State “as long as the president allows me to do it … which would keep me here all the way through January of 2028.”
2028 would be the first presidential election cycle without Trump in the race since 2012.