Vance, Rubio, or Hegseth? Trump's inner circle quietly prepares for fierce US 2028 race – analysis

As US President Donald Trump's term nears its end, speculation is mounting within his inner circle regarding his potential successor in 2028. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are reportedly considering presidential bids. Trump is currently focused on the upcoming November midterms, emphasizing the need for Republicans to win to maintain their congressional majority, stating, "Got to win the midterms." While Trump has not officially endorsed a successor, he has publicly encouraged a contest between Vance and Rubio, calling them his "dream team." Vance is widely seen as a frontrunner, despite Trump's mixed public remarks about him. Rubio, with strong foreign policy experience and favorable polling among older, more educated Republicans and Hispanic voters, faces a legal hurdle as he cannot run while serving as Secretary of State. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor, has reportedly floated the idea of a run, though he has publicly denied these reports, stating they are "100% false."