US President Donald Trump has given his strongest indication yet that Vice President JD Vance may lead the future of the MAGA movement.
Trump described Vance as “most likely” to carry the torch, fueling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.
This is the clearest sign yet that Vance is being positioned as a long-term political force within Trump’s Republican party.
Speaking to reporters, Trump did not hold back in his praise.
“Well, I think most likely,” he said when asked about Vance being MAGA’s next leader.
“In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”
Trump also floated the idea of a future ticket that could feature Vance and Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State.
“I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” he added.
The statement comes after months of speculation surrounding who might take over the MAGA base once Trump steps away. However, this recent show of support may shift the landscape heading into 2028.
JD Vance’s MAGA successor status appears to be rising rapidly within Republican circles.
Vance has been an active voice in domestic policy and foreign affairs under Trump’s second term.
At just 40 years old, his military background and Senate experience have made him one of the administration’s most visible figures.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio has also remained close to Trump, taking on two major roles: Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.
His dual appointment marks the first time since Henry Kissinger that one person has held both roles.
Rubio himself seems open to a Vance-led future.
“I think he’s doing a great job as vice president,” Rubio said in an interview last month.
“He’s a close friend, and I hope he intends to do it.”
Rubio added, “You never know what the future holds,” leaving his own 2028 ambitions uncertain.
At the event, Trump was joined by other major figures, including Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi.
Both have also been mentioned as potential presidential candidates in the future.
Still, Trump made it clear that Vance has taken the lead at least for now.
“It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it,” Trump said.
“But certainly [Vance] is doing a great job, and he would probably be the favorite at this point.”
That endorsement strengthens Vance’s position and signals that Trump may stay influential in GOP politics well past his time in office.
“Marco is incredibly competent and reliable,” Vance told CNN. “And he’s also one of my closest friends in the administration.”
