Trump's inner circle eyes Rubio for 2028
Donald Trump’s inner circle is increasingly considering Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential presidential candidate for 2028. This shifts him from an unlikely contender to a serious prospect, according to Politico, as cited by Astra.
Gaining MAGA support
Rubio’s tenure as Secretary of State has expanded his backing within the White House and among Trump’s core MAGA base. Politico reports that Trump favors the enthusiasm of “new converts.”
This preference gives Rubio a distinct advantage over traditional Republican elites who either distanced themselves from the party or avoided Washington.
Polling shifts and rivalries
Recent polling shows a sharp increase in Rubio’s support, surging to 35% last month from just 3% a year ago. Concurrently, Vice President JD Vance’s approval rating dropped from 61% to 53%.
However, separate polling data presents a different snapshot. In April, Vance held 63% support against Rubio’s 42%, while in September, the ratio stood at 65% to 33%.
The path to succession
White House discussions already feature the Secretary of State as a potential successor. This dynamic was confirmed by two senior administration officials and five sources close to the administration.
Rubio has previously stated he will not challenge Vance in the Republican primaries. Therefore, the Vice President would need to step aside for Rubio to secure the nomination.
Trump is expected to make his final decision regarding his successor following the November midterm elections.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
