JD Vance Leads Early Polling for 2028 Republican Presidential

But Trump has notably and increasingly praised Rubio, in public and private, for his rising profile as secretary of state and national security adviser,” said Axios

In private discussions, Trump has contrasted the two men’s styles, describing Rubio as more diplomatic and Vance as more combative. Several advisers cautioned against interpreting Trump’s questions as diminishing his support for Vance.

“Vance-Rubio is the president’s dream ticket” for 2028 — “and to be clear, that’s Vance on top,” one Trump adviser told the outlet. “But would Trump be happy with a Rubio-Vance ticket? Absolutely.”

Trump’s comments come as Republican officials prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, and at a time when speculation about the party’s leadership after Trump is growing

Vance is expected to play a prominent role in the midterms as finance chair of the Republican National Committee.

Rubio’s current Cabinet roles have kept him in the national spotlight, which aides say could boost his profile relative to Vance, who draws less media attention despite his position as vice president.

Trump has not publicly endorsed a specific successor, and advisers said he continues to frame the discussions as informal.