Trump Signals JD Vance as Future Leader of MAGA Movement, Mentions Rubio as Key Ally

In a major political signal, President Donald Trump has indicated that Vice President JD Vance is likely to become the next torchbearer of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Speaking to reporters during a recent event, Trump was asked whether Vance would carry on his political legacy. His response? “Most likely. In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”

This is Trump’s strongest endorsement yet of Vance as a future presidential contender — possibly in the 2028 race. The 40-year-old former U.S. Marine and senator from Ohio has grown into a key figure within the administration, playing a major role both in domestic policy and international affairs.

Trump also floated the idea of a future political partnership between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as National Security Adviser. “I think Marco is somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said. “We have incredible people.”

Other top officials present at the event included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi — both rumored to be considering presidential runs of their own.

While Trump stressed that it’s “too early” to discuss 2028 in detail, he acknowledged that Vance would “probably be the favorite at this point.”

Rubio, for his part, hasn’t ruled out a presidential run either, but recently praised Vance during an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News: “He’s a close friend, and I hope he intends to do it.”

Vance and Rubio were both contenders for the VP slot during the 2024 campaign. Though Vance ultimately got the nod, the two have since built a strong working relationship. “Marco is incredibly competent and reliable,” Vance said in a recent CNN interview. “He’s also one of my closest friends in the administration.”

If either — or both — of them decide to run in 2028, it could ensure Trump’s political influence lives on well beyond his time in office.