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A group of Republican donors has begun to discreetly discuss a parallel initiative to promote a potential presidential candidacy for Marco Rubio in 2028, at a time when the Secretary of State has gained political weight within the Donald Trump administration and his profile has become more prominent, especially after the war with Iran.
According to sources cited by , the movement arises amid ongoing doubts within some Republican sectors regarding the supposed inevitability of Vice President JD Vance as the heir to Trumpism.
A year ago, Vance seemed like the natural successor to Trump within the MAGA movement, bolstered by his youth, the Republican base, and the president's family.
However, Rubio's rising profile during the first year of Trump's second term has begun to alter that political calculation.
The sources cited by ABC News describe an emerging effort, still behind the scenes, promoted by donors and allies supportive of Rubio, not by the Secretary of State himself.
The goal would be to strengthen his position within the Republican Party and lay the groundwork for a potential candidacy once the midterm elections are over.
The report emphasizes that this enthusiasm stems from the perception, within circles close to Trump, that Rubio has gained prominence and acceptance within the government.
Trump himself, according to ABC News, has privately remarked on how “popular” and “beloved” Rubio has become within his team.
Close associates of the president have also noted the constant praise he receives, both publicly and privately, to the point of standing ovations and declaring that he will go down in history as "the best Secretary of State ever."
Despite this, Trump has not formally endorsed either Vance or Rubio as his preferred successor.
According to the article, he has simply stated that he would like to see them together on the same ticket, without clarifying which of the two should lead it.
Also, according to the text, he has repeatedly asked allies and associates whom they would prefer at the head of the Republican ticket: “Marco or JD?” This same question, the information adds, was even posed to a group of donors in Mar-a-Lago at the end of February.
What will happen?
The White House avoided fueling that speculation. The presidential communications director, Steven Cheung, stated to ABC News that Trump has assembled “a stellar team” and maintained that no amount of media speculation regarding Vance and Rubio will divert the administration from its mission.
The vice president's office declined to comment, while the State Department did not respond to the media's request for comment.
Part of Rubio's political rise has been tied to the accumulation of responsibilities within the government.
During the first year of Trump's second term, the Secretary of State has taken on several high-level positions, including acting national security advisor and acting director of USAID, becoming, according to the report, an omnipresent figure within the administration.
This visibility increased even further with the war against Iran. According to ABC News, when Trump authorized the massive attack against that country, Rubio was not in Washington, but rather on his way to an improvised crisis room in Mar-a-Lago, where he oversaw the initial hours of what was called Operation Epic Fury alongside the President.
During the early days of the conflict, Rubio stood by Trump and, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, became one of the leading public voices to communicate the operation.
Under the radar of Vance
In contrast, Vance maintained a lower profile in those early days.
The article states that he remained in Washington overseeing the attacks from the Situation Room alongside other high-ranking officials, connected via conference call with Trump and the rest of the team at Mar-a-Lago.
A spokesperson explained that this decision was due to security protocols that limit the simultaneous presence of the president and vice president outside the White House.
Nevertheless, Rubio's prominence may come with a political cost. The same report warns that if the Secretary of State has presidential ambitions, his increasing association with the military operation in Iran could either benefit or harm him.
ABC News cites a survey by Ipsos which indicates that only 29% approve of the attacks, while 43% disapprove and 26% remain neutral. The same measurement shows that 64% believe Trump has not clearly explained the objectives of the war.
Rubio, moreover, has not made any public indications of aspiring to the White House. The text recalls that when Vanity Fair asked him last year about a potential presidential run, he responded that he would support Vance: “If JD Vance runs for president, he will be our candidate, and I will be one of the first to support him.”
In parallel, the article highlights growing tensions surrounding Vance. Some close advisors to the administration, according to cited sources, have expressed frustration over his ties to critical figures regarding the war in Iran, such as Tucker Carlson.
The far-right activist Laura Loomer, associated with Trump, claimed to ABC News that the vice president has a "problem with Tucker" and stated that if he doesn't distance himself from him, "Marco will be the candidate."
Loomer herself had already publicly promoted the idea of a rising Rubio with a social media post: “RUBIO ON THE RISE! Get ready for 2028!”.
However, the text also lists the obstacles Rubio would face if he decided to run. Vance retains significant advantages within Trumpism: he has the backing of Donald Trump Jr. and Carlson, maintains connections with major donors in the tech sector like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, and already has the support of Turning Point USA, which has begun deploying staff and operations in key states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.
Additionally, as the chairman of the finance committee of the Republican National Committee, Vance continues to cultivate relationships with the country's top donors.
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