At a White House press event presiding over the creation of a task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, President Donald Trump delivered what should be considered the clearest sign yet of who he considers his chosen heir: Vice President J.D. Vance.
In a CNBC interview on Tuesday, Trump said he “probably won’t” run for a third term, citing the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, which sets a strict two‑term limit.
“No. Probably not. I’d like to run. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had. You know why? Because people love the tariffs,” Trump said during interview with far-left host Joe Kernen.
Earlier reports had shown him exploring hypothetical workarounds—such as running as vice president in 2028 and then assuming the presidency—but he later explicitly stated he would not pursue such paths.
On the same day, Trump floated the idea of a future Republican ticket featuring Vance as the most likely standard-bearer in 2028 and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at his side.
Peter Doocy:
This morning, you said that you probably won’t be running for a third term. This weekend, Secretary of State Rubio said that he thought JD Vance would be a great nominee. You could clear the entire Republican field right now. Do you agree that the heir apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?Trump:
Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he’s the Vice President. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form. I also think we have incredible people—some of the people here. It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly, he’s doing a great job, and he would probably be the favorite at this point.
WATCH:
BREAKING: President Trump all-but clears the GOP 2028 presidential primary field, says JD VANCE is LIKELY the favorite.
DOOCY: Do you agree the heir apparent to MAGA is JD VANCE?
TRUMP: “I think MOST LIKELY. He’s the VP. Marco maybe would get together with JD…We have… pic.twitter.com/WL8QzqDAjq
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 5, 2025
Even White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino is signaling support for JD Vance as the 48th president.
THANK YOU, 48The feeling is 1000% mutual!!! https://t.co/9BRK8PvJt8
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) August 2, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also says he would back Vice President JD Vance in a 2028 presidential run.
BREAKING: @MarcoRubio says that @JDVance would make a GREAT nominee for President in 2028.
What do you think of it? Leave a comment and you never know, they may see it!
I would ABSOLUTELY support this! pic.twitter.com/ZeDnXEmuqW
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) July 27, 2025
