Marco Rubio Gains Visibility as 2028 Speculation Involves Vance

President Trump has been informally asking friends and advisers which of two officials would make a stronger Republican presidential nominee in 2028, according to a New York Times report this weekend. The two officials are Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also holds the role of national security adviser.

Rubio told Vanity Fair last year that if Vance ran for president he would be the nominee and that Rubio would support him. Prominent outside activists have also backed Vance for the future race. Rubio has recently increased his public profile. He has appeared ringside with Trump at UFC events, met with the pope in the Vatican, and stood at the lectern for White House briefings.

A colleague at The Atlantic wrote last week that Rubio, who often appeared glum earlier in the administration, now looks to be enjoying his role. Pollster Sarah Longwell reported in The Atlantic last month that participants in her MAGA voter focus groups have shown new interest in Rubio.

The increased attention comes as the United States is involved in a war with Iran that the administration has not clearly defined in its goals. Gas prices have risen during the conflict and the world economy faces risks. Vance has been less visible in recent months.

He expressed skepticism about the war in its early stages, a position that Trump has noted. Vance has continued to ask questions about its conduct. Rubio is perceived by some voters as more personable than other figures in the administration. Any successor to Trump will face the task of maintaining support within the MAGA coalition while broadening appeal to general-election voters.

The coalition has shown signs of division over the handling of the Iran war. Trump has referred to both men as "kids" while conducting the informal polling, The Atlantic has reported. The exercise reflects concern about his legacy.

Rubio's schedule has included high-visibility diplomatic and domestic events. These include a meeting in the pope's Vatican office and participation in White House press appearances. Such events have contributed to the perception of increased momentum.

Challenges for 2028 Contenders The ongoing war with Iran presents difficulties for any administration official considering a future presidential run. The conflict has contributed to higher gas prices and economic uncertainty. Administration officials have not outlined a defined path to achieving stated objectives in the conflict.