On Tuesday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance downplayed the growing chatter about a potential showdown with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the 2028 presidential race. Vance emphasized that both are currently focused on the Trump administration's agenda rather than any future campaigns.
During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Vance was asked about Rubio's recent remarks, where he stated he would not run for president if Vance decided to seek the Republican nomination.
Instead of fueling rumors of a rivalry, Vance responded with humor, attributing much of the speculation to President Donald Trump himself.
"We're all dedicated to the tasks in front of us. I think the president enjoys stirring the pot a bit, and he relishes the entertainment it creates," Vance remarked.
He even likened the situation to a reality TV show, seemingly referencing Trump's television history.
"Does it really sound like something a U.S. president would do to host a televised program to choose his next apprentice? That's what the president loves, and it makes all this amusing," he said.
The comment inevitably brought to mind The Apprentice, the successful show Trump hosted for years before his political career.
Vance stressed that it's too early to discuss the 2028 presidential race, given the administration is just over a year and a half into its term.
"What frustrates me about politicians is that sometimes it seems like they're more worried about the next position rather than doing the job they were elected to do," he stated.
"Let's focus on the task. Win the midterm elections. Then we can talk about 2028," he added.
These comments follow several months of Trump stoking debate about who might emerge as the political heir to the Republican movement.
In June, Trump publicly praised a potential ticket with Vance and Rubio, calling it "very tough to beat." Earlier, he described a pairing of the two as "unstoppable."
The prospect of a future contest between the two Republican leaders has piqued interest within the party. While Vance maintains a strong bond with the MAGA base, Rubio has enhanced his national profile since taking the helm of U.S. diplomacy.
Nonetheless, Vance sought to quell the discussion, reiterating his close relationship with Rubio, whom he has previously described as one of his closest friends in the administration.
"If I do a good job, the politics will sort themselves out," he concluded.
As Vance was giving interviews stateside, Rubio was with Trump in France for the G7 summit, highlighting the central roles both currently play in an administration where conversations about 2028 have seemingly begun earlier than usual.
Polling shows a divided landscape between the two contenders. In the March 2026 CPAC, Vance led with 53% over Rubio's 35% among conservative attendees, but a May AtlasIntel poll placed Rubio ahead with 45.4% compared to Vance's 29.6% among the general population.
2028 Presidential Race Speculations
What did JD Vance say about the 2028 presidential race?
JD Vance dismissed speculations about the 2028 presidential race, emphasizing that he and Marco Rubio are focused on the current administration's goals and not future campaigns.
How did Vance compare the situation to a reality TV show?
Vance likened the situation to a reality TV show, referencing Trump's past as a television host for The Apprentice, suggesting that the president enjoys the drama and amusement it creates.
What is the current polling situation between Vance and Rubio?
Polling shows a split scenario: Vance led among conservative attendees at the 2026 CPAC, while Rubio led in a May AtlasIntel poll among the general population.