Vice President JD Vance dismissed President Donald Trump’s musings about potential presidential bids by him and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comparing Trump’s interest in GOP leadership succession to the dynamics of “The Apprentice.”
In a Wednesday press conference, Vance told reporters that the 2028 election is not on his mind, referring to Rubio as a “very, very dear friend” and emphasizing his focus on his current responsibilities within the Trump administration.
Nevertheless, the president seems intrigued by the idea of Vance and Rubio competing to succeed him. The New York Times reported that Trump has been consulting friends and advisers about whether to back Vance or Rubio as the GOP’s 2028 presidential candidate. Additionally, on Monday, Trump informally surveyed White House attendees regarding their preferred party leader and described a joint ticket of Vance and Rubio as a “dream team.”
Vance minimized the implications of such comments, joking that the speculation about the party’s future resembles Trump’s former reality show endeavors.
“I just don’t think it sounds like the president of the United States to have a televised competition for who would succeed him as his apprentice,” Vance remarked, eliciting laughter from some attendees. “I just think that’s not at all what you would expect the president to do.”
Vance acknowledged that it’s “natural” for Trump to be curious about the 2028 Republican presidential nominee, noting that Trump often jokes with Vance and Rubio about their political prospects.
Despite consistently downplaying conjecture about his political future, Vance has been preparing for a possible presidential run. As the Republican National Committee’s finance chair, he has been traveling across the country meeting with potential donors and supporting Republicans in key battleground areas, including a recent campaign effort in Iowa, recognized as the first presidential nominating contest.
Rubio, while playing a significant role in promoting Trump’s foreign policy agenda, has gained support nationwide and within the White House. However, he has repeatedly indicated that he would not challenge Vance in the 2028 race.
