*Suggests Secretary of State/NSA Rubio As Vance’s Running Mate
Though the United States (U.S) presidential election and parties’ primaries are about three years away, President Donald Trump has suggested that Vice President (VP) JD Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent to serve as the Republican nominee in 2028.
This is the furthest he has gone in backing Vance as a future presidential candidate.
“Well, I think most likely,” Trump told reporters yesterday when asked whether Vance was the heir apparent to the movement he has inspired. “In all fairness, he’s the Vice President.”
In a country where general elections are usually free and fair, the President’s backing may not sway voters as a lot depends on the performance of the government in which both personalities play very key roles. Presidential backing can,however,matter in party primaries.
Trump also proposed that Vance and Secretary of State/National Security Adviser (NSA) Marco Rubio join forces for a future Republican ticket.
While the 2028 race is still years away, Trump holds considerable influence with the Republican base, and any sign that he is backing a candidate carries significant implications.
Trump had declined in the past to offer any endorsement for a 2028 successor. He said in February that Vance was “very capable” but that it was too early to name him as the leading candidate.
Vance, a 40-year-old onetime Marine, has carved out a sizable role in the Trump administration, serving as a key diplomat and top surrogate selling Trump’s domestic policy at home and foreign policy abroad.
Rubio, a former Florida senator, has emerged as a significant figure in an administration that has spent considerable time tackling thorny foreign policy dilemmas.
He is the first person since Henry Kissinger to serve as both Secretary of State/NSA.
Kissinger served as the 56th Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977 and the 7th NSA from 1969 to 1975, serving under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
