With the president of the United States turning 80 while he burns the candle at both ends -- traveling, posting on social media into the wee hours, giving hours-long speeches, and more -- many have long wondered who will replace him when he's ready to go.
And the answer may be a surprise.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been waiting in the wings, as have Tucker Carlson, and more. But the latest numbers show Vice President J.D. Vance, a newcomer to the MAGA movement, has the support of Trump.
Recent polls show Vance as the leading GOP candidate for 2028, at 40%, with Rubio trailing behind at 18%.
And there's this: "The president, who is said to have openly quizzed friends and associates about whether Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should succeed him in office, has shifted his tone, insiders told Axios.
"POTUS isn't asking, 'JD or Marco?'' anymore," one source familiar with the president's thinking told the outlet. "He's no longer asking, 'How's JD doing?' He's now saying, 'JD looks great, right?"
"JD is earning it, and Trump sees it," a senior Trump adviser told Axios, continuing that Rubio "wasn't planning to run anyway, and he'd be even less likely to do so now."
As recently as a month ago, Trump was openly suggesting a Vance-Rubio ticket, so that's a change. But even then, he wouldn't say which one of them should lead the GOP ticket.
During The New York Post’s “Pod Force One,” podcast in early June, Trump said, “I like them both,” responding to a question about who should run. “And I like them together,” he added.
Vance's visibility through his memoir, TV appearances, and role in ending the Iran war has impressed Trump, who reportedly now favors him over Rubio. And Trump's support is boosting his chances for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
Vance says he's focused on helping Republicans in the midterms and has not made concrete plans for 2028. With two children and a pregnant wife, he also says he's prioritizing his family and current responsibilities over making plans for the future.
"If we do a good job in 2025 and 2026, then we can talk about the politics in 2027," Vance said. "I really think the American people are so fed up with folks who are already running for the next job, seven months into the current one."
Still, even if he does run, pundits say Vance's ties to Silicon Valley, longtime relationship with mentor Peter Thiel, and recent feuds with the Pope could pose challenges, despite his fundraising prowess and endorsements.
Trump has also allegedly made his own choice
Trump has also allegedly made his own choice
