Trump Hints at 2028, Praises Rubio and Vance as GOP Options

President Donald Trump has again prompted debate about a possible 2028 campaign, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he “would love to do it” when asked about former strategist Steve Bannon's suggestion.

He added he has “the best numbers ever,” while also saying he “hasn’t really thought about” a 2028 run — remarks that have generated fresh speculation even as the Constitution limits presidents to two elected terms.

On the same flight, Mr. Trump pointed to figures he views as potential Republican leaders after his tenure, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as top prospects for 2028 and calling them “great people.”

Smiling and gesturing toward Rubio, the president said the party “has some really good people,” adding that he did not expect many to challenge the pair.

Both Rubio and Vance have risen in national prominence within the current administration — Rubio for his role on foreign policy and Vance for his conservative positions and alignment with Mr. Trump.

Analysts say the comments aim to underline Mr. Trump's continued influence in the GOP and to suggest a line of succession, while legal experts remind observers that a third elected term would be barred by the 22nd Amendment.

Mr. Trump made the remarks as part of an Asia tour that brought him to Tokyo following a stop in Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur he attended the ASEAN Summit, signed trade and rare earth agreements, and hailed a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia as a landmark achievement.

Posting on his Truth Social account after leaving Malaysia, Mr. Trump wrote: “Just leaving Malaysia, a great and vibrant country. Signed major trade and rare earth deals, and most importantly, the peace treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done. Now, off to Japan!!!”

The trip is intended to bolster economic and diplomatic ties across the region, but Mr. Trump’s offhand remarks about the 2028 race are expected to fuel political conversation at home for the foreseeable future.