One of the questions Baier asked was whether Trump viewed Vice President JD Vance as the 2028 Republican nominee for president.
“No, but he’s very capable,” Trump replied. “I think that you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job.”
Trump went on to clarify his remarks, saying, “It’s too early. We just started.”
Baier’s question put Trump in a tough spot, as he does not want to appear as a lame duck president less than a month into his term, nor does he want to alienate his VP with a snub. Trump ultimately gave the correct answer.
Vance has been the perfect VP for supporting Trump’s agenda and expressing his policy goals. As Trump said, however, it’s too early. Rather than guarantee a presidential endorsement for 2028, Trump wants to give Vance an incentive to prove himself and keep up his good work. Trump’s stamp of approval on Vance’s work so far is an indication that Vance is in a good spot to claim the 2028 nomination. His mention of other capable candidates, however, is a message to Vance that the nomination is not guaranteed.
There will be a handful of candidates who will likely compete with Vance for the Republican nomination in 2028. Govs. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) both seem like plausible contenders, along with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Even Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth could be a possible presidential candidate three years from now.
Trump does not want people to think about the possible next administration right after his started. If Trump said JD Vance was his ideal successor, all the focus would turn to Vance and away from the current administration.
Trump also does not want to tell all his political allies that he has already picked his candidate for the 2028 Republican ticket. If DeSantis, Hegseth, and Younkin believe they have no chance at a Trump endorsement, they may be less reliable allies.
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Trump’s support within his administration is considerably stronger than it was his first time, but he still needs all the allies he can get. If Trump can keep the field open, there will be an array of hopefuls for the Republican nomination looking for a presidential endorsement.
Trump’s answer about Vance succeeding him is not a “no” as much as it is a “not yet.” Trump still has much to accomplish in his second term. The field for the 2028 Republican ticket remains open. If Vance continues showing himself as a competent VP, however, it is likely that he will receive a presidential endorsement by late 2027.
