Vance Discusses Relationship with Rubio Amid 2028 Speculations

On Wednesday, Vice President Vance opened up about his close bond with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, particularly as discussions arise around potential changes in leadership for the 2028 election.

During an appearance on the podcast “Pod Force One,” a New York Post journalist, Miranda Devine, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s intentions for the presidency and vice presidency. Given Rubio’s past presidential campaign in 2016, she probed whether this created any friction between the two Republican leaders.

Vance responded confidently, stating, “First of all, there’s not going to be any tension. Marco is my best friend in the administration. We collaborate frequently, and much of the effective work we accomplish stems from our ability to work well together.”

He went on to note, “This is why I think stressing too much about politics can hinder your effectiveness. I’ve never woken up and thought, ‘How can I be president?’ Instead, my focus is on being the best vice president I can be.”

Vance added that he believes Rubio also prioritizes his role as Secretary of State.

He remarked that discussions about a potential Vance and Rubio ticket for 2028 are, in his view, a bit “premature.”

Vance and Rubio previously served together in the U.S. Senate before joining the Trump administration. Rubio, 54, was elected in 2010, while Vance, 41, won his Senate seat in 2022.

This speculation received renewed attention after President Trump made comments to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. He hinted at the idea of a successor, stating, “Obviously we have JD as vice president, and he’s great. Marco is great. I’m not sure anyone can compete with those two; if they team up, I think it’s unstoppable.”

When pressed whether he would be seeking a third term, Trump responded vaguely, saying, “I’m not going to say no? You’ll have to tell me that.”

Speculation has flared up again regarding Trump’s future, especially following statements from former White House adviser Steve Bannon in a recent interview. Bannon suggested there are plans for Trump to secure a third term, although he didn’t provide specifics, stating, “We will reveal what the plan is at the appropriate time.”

Bannon declared, “Well, he’s going to get a third term. So, Trump 28, Trump will be president in 28, and people should adjust to that.”

Since Bannon’s comments, both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) have downplayed the idea of a third term, even though Trump has mentioned running again multiple times during his current term.

Trump reiterated aboard Air Force One during a trip to South Korea that, “If you read it, it’s clear: I’m not allowed to run. It’s unfortunate. But we have many great people lined up.”

Johnson commented on this subject during a press conference on Tuesday, saying, “It’s been a great campaign, but the president knows the constraints of the Constitution. We’ve talked about that narrowness.”

He added that “The Trump 2028 cap is one of the most popular caps ever made.”

The 22nd Amendment prohibits presidents from seeking a third term, a rule enacted in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms in office.