Trump Reportedly Sizes Up Vance and Rubio as Potential 2028 Successors
President Donald Trump is actively considering both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, according to a recent report. The president has been using Vance's role as the chief negotiator in efforts to end the Iran war as a critical test to evaluate his second-in-command's capabilities and political future.
Vance's Cautious Stance on Iran War Under Scrutiny
As Vice President Vance traveled to Pakistan last week for an unsuccessful round of peace talks, President Trump reportedly quizzed friends and advisers about Vance's performance. Three individuals familiar with these conversations confirmed to CNN that the president is closely monitoring how Vance handles the high-stakes negotiations. Despite representing the United States in these talks, Vance has adopted a more hesitant and understanding tone toward voters who disapprove of the Iran war, though he recently defended the administration after Pope Leo criticized the conflict.
Rubio's Hawkish Alignment with Trump
In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime advocate for interventionism, has appeared more aligned with President Trump in supporting the war. The president has entrusted Rubio with a series of additional roles beyond his State Department duties, including acting archivist of the National Archives, acting USAID administrator, and acting national security adviser. Trump has even adopted some of Rubio's hawkish approaches, intervening in Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.
Historical Rivalries and Current Loyalties
Ironically, both men being considered for 2028 once publicly admonished Trump before his rise to power. Rubio ran against Trump in the 2016 Republican primaries, labeling him a "con artist," while Vance, who described himself as a "never Trump guy," once tweeted that Trump was "reprehensible" and an "idiot." However, since Trump's ascendance, both have fully embraced his leadership and agenda.
Public Statements and Internal Dynamics
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told CNN that Vance is an "invaluable member" of the administration, highlighting his ability to tackle significant challenges. However, the CNN report suggests that Vance has little room for error in securing a peace deal, as Trump has joked publicly about blaming Vance if negotiations fail while taking credit if they succeed. Meanwhile, Rubio has stated publicly that he would not run against Vance in 2028, pledging to be one of the first to support him, according to a Vanity Fair interview last year.
Broader Implications for the Republican Party
This internal assessment by Trump underscores the ongoing strategic calculations within the Republican Party as it looks toward the 2028 election. The contrasting approaches of Vance and Rubio on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Iran war, serve as a litmus test for their suitability as potential nominees. As Trump continues to weigh their performances, the dynamics between these key figures will likely shape the party's future direction and electoral strategies.
