Fox News reported on August 6: "President Trump may have just sent the clearest signal yet about who he hopes will carry the torch of 'Make America Great Again (MAGA)' after his departure. According to informed sources, Trump privately told donors that he leans toward supporting Vice President Vance for the 2028 presidential election, with reports indicating he once explicitly stated: 'In the end, we must put forward Vance.' Sources noted that this remark was not an official endorsement, but it currently represents the strongest indication of Trump’s inner inclinations.
Trump has consistently praised both Vance and Secretary of State Rubio. He commended Vance’s outstanding achievements in combating fraud, and previously lauded Rubio as potentially the greatest Secretary of State in history. Trump had also suggested that a campaign pairing of Vance and Rubio would be unstoppable—but he has never officially settled on which of the two should be the top candidate.
Commentary: The reason Trump believes Vance is better suited to succeed MAGA lies in three key factors. First, ideological alignment—Vance adheres to the 'America First' principle, advocates strategic retrenchment, and prioritizes domestic issues such as livelihoods and border immigration, directly resonating with MAGA base voters’ opposition to Washington establishment elites and their fatigue with endless foreign conflicts. Second, a clear identity advantage: as current vice president, Vance naturally possesses a succession pathway, and his grassroots origin story makes him particularly relatable to working-class voters in the Rust Belt. Most importantly, he demonstrates unwavering loyalty to Trump, willing to continue the full political agenda. In contrast, Rubio belongs to the established Republican elite, with a foreign policy stance favoring aggressive international intervention—making it difficult for diehard MAGA supporters to fully trust him. Trump’s preference for Vance reflects his desire to ensure the continuity of his populist political legacy.
However, Trump’s current strategy—releasing only private signals without formal public endorsement—also leaves room for maneuver. By promoting Vance, he can consolidate support from the populist base, while simultaneously retaining Rubio as a counterbalance. Should Vance’s popularity decline or if ideological differences emerge down the line, Trump can readily shift his position. Thus, the battle for succession remains far from settled.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872823460681738/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author