Donald Trump isn’t ready to name a successor. In a recent Fox News interview, he sidestepped endorsing Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 Republican nomination.
When asked if Vance was the future of the GOP, Trump responded bluntly: “No, but he’s very capable. I think you have a lot of very capable people.”
Trump acknowledged Vance’s work as vice president but insisted it was “too early” to make any commitments. This leaves the race wide open and signals that Trump wants to keep his influence over the party’s future.
Trump is barred from seeking a third term due to the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, making 2028 a turning point for the Republican Party.
Vance, a former Ohio senator, has been seen as a strong contender, but his past criticisms of Trump still haunt his image among some conservatives.
Although Vance later became one of Trump’s most loyal allies, some within the party remain skeptical.
According to FiveThirtyEight, his favorability ratings have improved but are still underwater by 2.6 points, indicating he has work to do to secure broad Republican support.
Who Could Challenge Vance in 2028?
Vance isn’t the only one eyeing the GOP’s top spot. Several high-profile Republicans could enter the race, including:
- Donald Trump Jr. – With a massive following among Trump loyalists, he is a natural heir to his father’s political movement. A recent poll showed 21% of Republicans support him.
- Ron DeSantis – The Florida governor clashed with Trump in 2024 but remains influential among conservatives.
- Nikki Haley – The former U.N. ambassador has name recognition and a strong foreign policy background.
- Marco Rubio – Currently serving as Secretary of State, he brings experience and a broader appeal.
Despite his dominance in the Republican Party, Trump is playing a strategic game. His refusal to endorse Vance signals that he wants to maintain control over the party’s direction.
When asked if he would back Vance in the 2026 midterms, Trump dodged the question, choosing instead to highlight his administration’s achievements.
Trump’s endorsement remains the golden ticket for any Republican candidate, and his decision in 2028 could reshape the party’s future.
Vance’s Growing Role in the Trump Administration
While Trump withholds his endorsement, Vance is busy shaping policy.
He is currently attending an AI summit in Paris and the Munich Security Conference, where he is engaging with world leaders on global security issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Domestically, Vance is leading negotiations on the future of TikTok in the U.S. alongside National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.
Their talks center on whether to ban the Chinese-owned app or bring it under U.S. control.
Trump’s decision to hold off on endorsing Vance keeps the 2028 race unpredictable. While Vance remains a top contender, Trump’s hesitancy suggests other big names, including his own son, could step in.
With the political landscape shifting, the real question remains: Who will carry the MAGA movement forward when Trump steps off the stage?
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.
