Vice President JD Vance insists his focus remains on governing, even as Donald Trump fuels speculation by calling him the GOP’s “most likely” 2028 heir.
US Vice President JD Vance sought to cool rising speculation over the weekend about his political future, stressing that President Donald Trump expects him to prioritize the administration’s agenda rather than think ahead to 2028.
Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance addressed Trump’s recent comments suggesting he is the “most likely” figure to inherit leadership of the MAGA movement.
“I see myself as a Vice President who’s trying to do a good job for the American people,” Vance said, pushing back when asked if he views himself as Trump’s heir.
Trump, however, has repeatedly hinted at Vance’s potential rise:
- On a possible endorsement: “I think most likely, in all fairness… he would probably be favored at this point.”
- On the 2028 race: “It’s too early to talk about it, but he’s doing a great job.”
- On alternatives: Trump also floated Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a possible future running mate for Vance, recalling Rubio’s failed 2016 primary run against him.
Meanwhile, Trump’s offhand remarks about seeking a third term continue to draw attention. While the president has said he would “probably not” defy the constitutional limit, he has also at times joked — and even hinted more seriously — about the possibility, telling NBC in March: “I’m not joking… there are methods which you could do it.”
For now, Vance is attempting to project discipline, tying his political fate firmly to Trump’s leadership — even as the president fuels 2028 succession intrigue from the sidelines.
