Why it's trending
A MS Now report quoting anonymous sources claimed Trump has privately anointed Vance as his 2028 pick, sparking debate over the vice president's standing amid falling poll numbers and MAGA backlash. The Daily Beast's counter-narrative of a 'desperate PR blitz' added to the controversy.
President Donald Trump has privately signaled that Vice President JD Vance is his preferred successor for the 2028 Republican nomination, according to multiple unnamed administration sources. The shift ends months of what sources described as a 'toss-up' between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Trump now saying, 'JD’s our guy, we gotta help JD.'
The reported change of heart was attributed to Vance's press tour for his memoir 'Communion,' where he held his own in interviews on ABC's 'The View' and HBO's 'Real Time.' Trump also privately complimented Vance's weight loss, with HHS Secretary RFK Jr. noting Vance follows a sauerkraut-heavy diet. However, the Daily Beast characterized the glowing leaks as a 'desperate PR blitz' to counter recent MAGA criticism over Vance's stance on Iran and his podcast appearances.
Polling from the University of New Hampshire shows Vance's lead over Rubio among potential 2028 GOP candidates narrowing significantly between February and July. Despite this, Breitbart's Matthew Boyle declared 'Rubio will not run against JD Vance,' reflecting hardline support. The vice president's office did not comment.
Trump's endorsement is crucial in the GOP primary, but his notoriously mercurial nature means the situation could change. For now, Vance appears to have the inside track, though Rubio and other potential candidates remain on standby. The 2028 race is still nearly two years away, but the jockeying for Trump's blessing is intensifying.
Timeline
- Trump floats Vance and Rubio as possible heirs
Trump reportedly polled aides and donors on both men, treating them as rivals for his 2028 endorsement, according to five unnamed sources (MS Now).
- Vance begins book tour for 'Communion'
Vance promotes his memoir about his Catholic conversion, appearing on ABC's 'The View,' HBO's 'Real Time,' and Fox News. Trump is impressed by his media performance (MS Now).
- Trump reportedly declares Vance as his guy
Unnamed administration sources tell MS Now that Trump now says 'JD’s our guy, we gotta help JD' and compliments his weight loss. The Daily Beast questions the timing as a PR pushback against MAGA attacks.
- Polling shows narrowing gap between Vance and Rubio
University of New Hampshire polling reveals Vance's lead over Rubio has shrunk among potential GOP primary voters (Daily Beast).
Questions people ask
Has Trump officially endorsed Vance for 2028?
No. The reports are based on anonymous sources claiming Trump has privately signaled support, but there has been no public endorsement. Trump is known to change his mind frequently.
Why are some MAGA figures attacking Vance?
According to the Daily Beast, conservative influencers have criticized Vance as 'unfit,' particularly over his stance on Iran and his preference for podcast interviews. This has created tension within the MAGA movement.
Could Marco Rubio still win Trump's endorsement?
Possible. The sources indicated Trump previously considered both men equally. While the latest leaks favor Vance, Trump's mercurial nature means Rubio could regain favor, especially if Vance's poll numbers continue to drop.
Join the conversation 0
Comments are reviewed before publishing.