On Monday, President Donald Trump publicly floated a potential Republican presidential ticket for 2028, featuring Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During a dinner at the White House Rose Garden for law enforcement leaders from across the country, Trump dubbed the duo a "dream team" and the "perfect ticket."
According to a video shared by journalist Eric Daugherty on X, Trump conducted an informal poll among the attendees, asking, "Who wants JD Vance?" and "Who wants Marco Rubio?" Vance received the most applause, while Rubio garnered slightly less.
Trump then commented, "Sounds like a presidential and vice-presidential candidate," implying Vance would lead the ticket with Rubio as his running mate. However, he quickly clarified, "That doesn't mean they have my endorsement under any circumstances. But, you know, it's perfect."
The Ambiguity of Trump's Endorsement
This scene is not an isolated incident. Since August 2025, when Trump hinted at Vance as his "most likely" successor, citing "in all fairness, he is the vice president," he has maintained deliberate ambiguity about who will lead the MAGA movement in 2028.
The uncertainty was further fueled in February 2026, when Trump asked about 25 donors at Mar-a-Lago for their preferences between the two, with an "almost unanimous" or "80-20 in favor of Rubio" response, according to NBC News and The Wall Street Journal.
Public Support vs. Financial Backing
Poll numbers tell a more nuanced story. In the March 2026 CPAC straw poll, Vance led with 53% against Rubio's 35%, with no other candidate exceeding 2%. A YouGov poll from May 2026 strengthens this lead: 65% of Republicans would consider voting for Vance, compared to 33% for Rubio, with the vice president as the top choice for 44% as the ideal candidate.
On the other hand, Rubio is favored among the party's financial establishment, boasting a high-profile international presence as Secretary of State. He played a pivotal role in Operation Absolute Resolve, which led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. Additionally, he spearheaded the Gaza peace plan negotiations, signed on October 9, 2025, and supported U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites beginning February 28, 2026.
Contrasting Profiles: Vance vs. Rubio
Their profiles are complementary yet distinct. Vance, enjoying a 77% approval rating among Republicans, is the MAGA base's favorite, backed by figures like Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Rubio, a Cuban-American born in Miami, is the choice of the financial establishment and holds dual roles as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, a concentration of power rarely seen in recent times.
All of this unfolds under the shadow of the 22nd Amendment, which prevents Trump from seeking a third term, making the succession the major political gamble for the MAGA movement as 2028 approaches.
A former advisor to Ron DeSantis summarized the situation aptly: "It's JD's race to lose right now. That said, there are a million news cycles between now and a primary, and anything can happen."
Prospects for the 2028 Republican Ticket
What is JD Vance's approval rating among Republicans?
JD Vance has a 77% approval rating among Republicans.
Which role does Marco Rubio currently hold?
Marco Rubio is the Secretary of State and also serves as the National Security Advisor.
What major international operations has Rubio been involved in?
Rubio was a key figure in Operation Absolute Resolve, the Gaza peace plan negotiations, and U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.