Trump Asks Donors About Rubio, Vance as 2028 Speculation Builds
During a recent gathering with donors at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Donald Trump informally asked attendees for their opinions about two key figures in his administration: JD Vance and Marco Rubio.
According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Trump posed the question directly to donors during the event, asking what they thought of both men. Sources familiar with the gathering said the audience responded with applause for each, though Rubio reportedly received a noticeably louder reaction.
The informal show of support came shortly after Trump publicly highlighted Rubio’s role in the administration. During a press conference in Florida earlier in the week, Trump compared the political styles of the two officials, noting differences in how they approach international issues and diplomacy.
Trump suggested that Vance can sometimes take a harder stance on policy matters. Referring to the vice president, he said Vance can occasionally become very forceful in his approach and that there are moments when the administration tries to temper that intensity.
He then contrasted Vance’s style with Rubio’s approach to diplomacy. Trump described Rubio as someone who operates more subtly, using what he called a “velvet glove” strategy while still pursuing firm outcomes.
Despite the strong reaction for Rubio among donors, recent polling indicates that Vance may currently carry more influence with voters within Trump’s political circle. A survey conducted by Daily Mail and the research firm JL Partners found that 19 percent of respondents viewed Vance as the most influential figure in Trump’s inner circle. Rubio followed with 12 percent. Stephen Miller and Donald Trump Jr. tied for third place.
The poll surveyed 1,020 registered voters and carried a margin of error of about 3.1 percent.
Both Vance and Rubio have publicly rejected speculation that they are political rivals. In a February interview with Fox News, Vance dismissed the idea, calling Rubio one of his closest friends within the administration and suggesting that media narratives have exaggerated any perceived conflict between them.
Rubio has also addressed speculation about the future. In a previous interview with Vanity Fair, he said that if Vance were to run for president in 2028, he would support him.
Trump himself has suggested that the two could work closely together in the future. Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. recently claimed there has been an organized effort online aimed at undermining the vice president.
The discussion among donors comes as political observers increasingly focus on potential candidates and alliances ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle.