Trump hints that Vance is ‘most likely’ his heir apparent for 2028 race

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump suggested on Aug 5 that Vice-President J.D. Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent to serve as the Republican nominee in 2028 – the furthest he has gone in backing Mr Vance as a future presidential candidate.

“Well, I think most likely,” Mr Trump told reporters when asked whether Mr Vance was the heir apparent to the movement he has inspired. “In all fairness, he’s the Vice-President.”

Mr Trump also proposed that Mr Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio join forces for a future Republican ticket.

While the 2028 race is still years away, Mr Trump holds considerable influence with the Republican base, and any sign that he is backing a candidate carries significant implications.

In the past, he has declined to offer any endorsement for a 2028 successor. He said in February that Mr Vance was “very capable” but that it was too early to name him as the leading candidate.

Mr Vance, a 40-year-old one-time Marine, has carved out a sizeable role in the Trump administration, serving as a key diplomat and top surrogate selling Mr Trump’s domestic policy at home and foreign policy abroad.

Mr Rubio, a former Florida senator, has emerged as a significant figure in an administration that has spent considerable time tackling thorny foreign policy dilemmas.

He is also the first person since Mr Henry Kissinger to serve as both secretary of state and national security adviser. REUTERS