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President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” the future leader of the MAGA movement, though he emphasized that it’s too early to make definitive declarations about the 2028 Republican presidential field.
“Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he’s the vice president,” Trump said during remarks following the signing of an executive order establishing a federal task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.”
Trump’s comments came after reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Vance as a potential 2028 presidential nominee. According to media outlets, Rubio reportedly told colleagues that Vance would be a “great nominee” should he pursue the White House.
Rubio also stated in a recent Fox News interview with Lara Trump that Vance is “doing a great job as vice president. He’s a close friend, and I hope he intends to do it.”
The event featured several high-ranking officials alongside Trump and Vance. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles joined them on stage.
“I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here. So it’s too early obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favored at this point,” Trump said of Vance.
Trump’s executive order creates a federal task force to coordinate preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will chair the task force, while Vance will serve as vice chair and executive director, managing its day-to-day operations.
Earlier Tuesday, in an interview with CNBC, Trump also dismissed speculation about seeking a third term, which is constitutionally prohibited.
“No, probably not,” Trump said. “I’d like to run. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”