Former President Donald Trump signaled growing confidence in his Vice President JD Vance as the likely future leader of the MAGA movement, suggesting Vance is currently favored to carry the torch in the 2028 presidential race.
“He’s doing a great job, and he would probably be favored at this point,” Trump told reporters on August 5, during an informal Q&A session.
While Trump has previously shied away from naming a political successor, his latest comments hint at a shift in tone. Though he stopped short of offering a full endorsement, Trump acknowledged that Vance — who joined his 2024 ticket — has a natural advantage as the sitting Vice President.
Asked if Vance was his chosen heir to the MAGA movement, Trump said, “Most likely,” before quickly qualifying it with, “It’s still too early.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has been asked about Vance’s future. Back in late 2024, following the election, Fox News questioned Trump about whether Vance was being groomed as his successor. At the time, Trump offered a more reserved response: “No, but he’s very capable.” He repeated then that it was “too early” to say.
Despite the constitutional two-term limit preventing him from running again after 2028, Trump has occasionally joked about running a third time. But in a recent CNBC interview, he confirmed that a future run is unlikely.
“No. Probably not,” Trump said with a laugh. “Probably not.”
Vance, a former venture capitalist and author of Hillbilly Elegy, has risen quickly through Republican ranks. Known for his sharp communication skills and loyalty to Trump’s agenda, he’s become a popular figure among MAGA supporters. Though Vance has not publicly commented on a potential 2028 bid, speculation is growing.
Political observers note that Trump’s remarks could carry weight within the GOP, especially with the former president’s enduring influence on the party base.
“Trump giving Vance even a partial nod will matter,” said Erin Cross, a Republican political analyst. “The grassroots movement watches for these cues.”
While 2028 is still years away, Trump’s comments have sparked fresh debate about the future of the Republican Party — and whether JD Vance is next in line to lead it.
Former President Donald Trump signaled growing confidence in his Vice President JD Vance as the likely future leader of the MAGA movement, suggesting Vance is currently favored to carry the torch in the 2028 presidential race.
“He’s doing a great job, and he would probably be favored at this point,” Trump told reporters on August 5, during an informal Q&A session.
While Trump has previously shied away from naming a political successor, his latest comments hint at a shift in tone. Though he stopped short of offering a full endorsement, Trump acknowledged that Vance — who joined his 2024 ticket — has a natural advantage as the sitting Vice President.
Asked if Vance was his chosen heir to the MAGA movement, Trump said, “Most likely,” before quickly qualifying it with, “It’s still too early.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has been asked about Vance’s future. Back in late 2024, following the election, Fox News questioned Trump about whether Vance was being groomed as his successor. At the time, Trump offered a more reserved response: “No, but he’s very capable.” He repeated then that it was “too early” to say.
Despite the constitutional two-term limit preventing him from running again after 2028, Trump has occasionally joked about running a third time. But in a recent CNBC interview, he confirmed that a future run is unlikely.
“No. Probably not,” Trump said with a laugh. “Probably not.”
Vance, a former venture capitalist and author of Hillbilly Elegy, has risen quickly through Republican ranks. Known for his sharp communication skills and loyalty to Trump’s agenda, he’s become a popular figure among MAGA supporters. Though Vance has not publicly commented on a potential 2028 bid, speculation is growing.
Political observers note that Trump’s remarks could carry weight within the GOP, especially with the former president’s enduring influence on the party base.
“Trump giving Vance even a partial nod will matter,” said Erin Cross, a Republican political analyst. “The grassroots movement watches for these cues.”
While 2028 is still years away, Trump’s comments have sparked fresh debate about the future of the Republican Party — and whether JD Vance is next in line to lead it.
