Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his support for Vice President J.D. Vance regarding the upcoming 2028 presidential election, dispelling any rumors of a conflict between them.
When asked about his thoughts outside the State Department, Rubio mentioned he hopes Vance will join the presidential race. “I think JD Vance is a great candidate. If he chooses to run, he’s been doing a wonderful job as Vice President. He’s a close friend of mine, and I believe he’ll go for it,” Rubio said in a chat with Fox News.
While he acknowledged the excitement around a possible presidential run in 2028, he emphasized his commitment to his current role, stating he’s really focused on being Secretary of State. Still, he didn’t completely dismiss the idea of the president entering the race.
“It’s a little early to say, but I’m in this position now, and I’m not really engaged in politics in the traditional sense,” Rubio noted. “There are restrictions on my participation in domestic politics.” He added that he enjoys this role and is grateful for the opportunity to serve. “You never know how things will change down the line,” he said.
Rubio also referred to Vance as “one of my closest friends in politics.” Interestingly, despite being a top contender for the Vice Presidential slot last year, he ultimately lost out to Vance.
Since becoming Secretary of State, Rubio has taken on significant responsibilities, leading the U.S. International Development Agency (USAID) and acting in various national security roles.
Vance humorously commented on Rubio’s extensive duties, suggesting he could handle even more responsibility. “I think he can take on a little more,” Vance joked, especially in light of recent events like the passing of Pope Francis.
The next presidential election cycle will be significant, marking the first major race since 2016, where both Republicans and Democrats will vie for the White House. It will also be a crucial test for the GOP, running without President Trump as their frontrunner.
Reflecting on his past campaign in 2016 against Trump’s daughter-in-law, Rubio shared his thoughts about competing with Trump. “I knew who he was, but we had never met. When you’re competing for the same position, tensions can arise.” He concluded, “But that’s behind us; we’re both Republicans, and we’re on the same side now.”
Rubio appreciated Trump’s keen sense of human behavior, commenting on the swift decision-making of their administration compared to the slower pace often found in the Senate. “It’s rewarding to get things done, and that’s what makes this job enjoyable,” he remarked.
