Trump suggests Vance is likely heir apparent to the MAGA movement, the furthest he’s gone in backing VP’s future

CNN ^ | August 5, 2025 | Kevin Liptak

[MinorityRepublican]

President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” the heir apparent to the Make America Great Again movement, the furthest he’s gone in backing Vance as a future presidential candidate.

Trump also proposed that Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio join for a future Republican ticket.

“Well, I think most likely,” Trump told reporters when asked whether Vance was MAGA’s “heir apparent.” “In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”

“I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” he went on. “I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here.”

Among those appearing with Trump on Tuesday were Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, also believed to have higher political ambitions, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favorite at this point,” Trump said of Vance.

Rubio last month brushed off talks of entering the 2028 race by saying Vance would be a “great nominee.”

“I think he’s doing a great job as vice president. He’s a close friend and I hope he intends to do it, but I know it’s kind of early,” Rubio told Fox News’ Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law.

The secretary of state didn’t rule out his own presidential run, saying, “You never know what the future holds.”

Trump has 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.

[Colorado Doug]

Can’t blame Trump for being a little gun-shy after that back-stabbing worm, Pence

[lee martell]

Trump (and his wives) has raised a couple of sons. He knows the average man does better when he has an incentive to work hard for. VP is not Trump’s son, but he could be dealt with in much the same way. Don’t let him think his promotion is a done deal and he can just relax and have the prize fall into his lap.

[DesertRhino]

The only one he hasn’t mentioned is Tulsi, the most straight up honest of all of his cabinet.

[dayglored]

> The only one he hasn’t mentioned is Tulsi, the most straight up honest of all of his cabinet.

I think she'd make an excellent executive, assuming she continues in her current path, cutting through crap, speaking forcefully and clearly, and making good decisions. I don't know about President as early as 2028, but she could be JD's VP and that would rock.

I have high hopes for her work as DNI, and so far she has exceeded my expectations.

[DesertRhino]

That’s what I’m thinking. And I was worried about her the most at the beginning. But I’d sure rather have her as a veep than neocon Rubio or Noem. She’s turned out to be impressive.

[Owen]

Vance is not Swamp. Very little time in DC. That is the only qualification.

[Az Joe]

Trump wants a “seamless” transition in 2029.

[Dr. Franklin]

No one did more than Mike Lindell to protest the 2020 Big Steal. He should be considered if he wants the job.

[FlyingEagle]

Vance and Tulsi.

[Sacajaweau]

Vance was brought to President Trump by his son Don. As VP, Of course, he is the expected heir...

Vance is an excellent orator and captures his audience. He'll make a great President and Rubio will come after him.

[Sacajaweau]

Too much rabble rousing with no positive effect. Mike became a distraction and still is. Sorry...just mu honest opinion.

[nathanbedford]

I am somewhat surprised but not at all distressed by the president' s expressed support of JD Vance, whom I supported for his nomination and whom I agree would make a first-class President, a worthy successor to the legacy of Donald Trump.

I am surprised because the quasi-endorsement does not come without its drawbacks for both Trump and Vance. Presidents rarely intrude so early into the nominating process with endorsement of a potential successor. Recent history includes Eisenhower's backhanded reference to Nixon when he said he could think of some contribution Nixon had made if he had enough time to think about it.

The selection of Lyndon Johnson was highly controversial in the Kennedy camp and there is evidence to believe that he would not have been endorsed to serve under Kennedy in a second administration.

Relationship between Humphrey and Johnson was mired in distrust over Humphreys supposed (and real) lack of support for Johnson's Vietnam war to the point that it appears that Johnson was actually wiretapping Humphrey.

We all know the flap that flared up between Vice President Pence and Trump.

An endorsement by Trump of Vance would certainly help Vance in the nominating process and practically guarantee the support of the base. However, among independents and most Democrats, Vance's connection to Trump would serve as a liability in the general election. The closer Vance is affiliated with Trump, the more the resistance on the left.

Trump has an administration to lead. That means those in his administration who aspire to the Oval Office might well feel unfairly used by the president by his quasi-endorsement of Vance. His endorsement of Rubio sounded like an afterthought but it does little to ease Vance's competitors for the nomination. A president wants loyal and faithful followers, he does not want rivals sabotaging other rivals or his administration in the process.

Other Republicans, such as Senator Cotton, Senator Cruz, and Governor DeSantis all have legitimate claim to the nomination. Still others no doubt nurture ambitions, including Ramaswamy who expects to be governor of Ohio. Even former Democrats who have already sought the nomination, like Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, might run again. But these two, like many other supporters who are expected to carry the president' s banner would naturally expect the president to be at least neutral concerning their fitness for the job.

This is very early on in the cycle of the next election for the president to be handing out endorsements but , as with so many things when it comes to Donald Trump, tradition and precedent be damned, Trump is making history.

[Joe 6-pack]

If Tulsi is to become POTUS someday, I just hope it happens while Hillary is still alive to see Gabbard sworn in as the first female president.

[Vaduz]

JD Vance a good selection good IQ knows the D.C. traps to look out for Trump is a great teacher he could be ActII.

[13Sisters76]

Trump is putting Vance out there, letting him handle things the way the DNC never allowed that idiot, Harris, to do. DJT seems to love the wonderful, elegant and brutal way he handles the press- I know I do!

[Verginius Rufus]

The Republican voters should pick the nominee in 2028. If they decide on Vance, fine, but Trump should not be like Biden picking Kamala to be the Democrat nominee in 2024.