Former President Donald Trump shared his views with the Daily Caller regarding Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s hints about a potential presidential run in 2028.
Trump’s comments followed an interview where Cruz, when asked if Vice President JD Vance was the GOP’s chosen candidate for 2028, stated that the party hadn’t made a decision yet and planned to discuss potential candidates. Shortly after, Cruz openly admitted on a podcast about his presidential aspirations.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, the Daily Caller probed Trump about Cruz’s intentions.
“Ted Cruz keeps teasing a 2028 presidential run. You’ve run against him for president. Do you think he could be president? What’s your reaction to that?” they asked.
Trump replied, “I would say he’s very talented. He’s a very good friend of mine. I think he might do that. He’s a talented guy.”
Trump weighs in on Sen. Ted Cruz teasing a 2028 presidential run, telling me: “He’s very talented. I think he might do that.” pic.twitter.com/MjrHmIBDnz
— Reagan Reese (@reaganreese_) August 27, 2026
Interestingly, Trump has previously surveyed those around him about who should take his place in a potential future election, weighing options like Vice President Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Washington Post recently reported that, during a private gathering at the Oval Office, Trump seemed to hint at his preference for Vance as a candidate for 2028. He supposedly told donors, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” according to two individuals familiar with the discussion.
However, after this report, Trump denied making such comments, stating in front of the Daily Caller, “No… I think he’s great, but we’re way too early to even be thinking about that,” acknowledging awareness of the report.
According to a source close to the administration, similar to his selection of a vice president, Trump’s real intentions will remain unclear until he chooses to disclose them. Only he truly understands his thoughts and plans. The source added that Trump frequently praises Vance in private.
Further, it was reported that after discussing his comments about Vance with donors, Trump sought input from guests on Marine One about whether Vance or Rubio should be the candidate.
“Anyone assuming it’s a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn’t know the president very well,” one official commented.
