Trump Holds Informal 2028 Poll at White House Dinner
President Trump informally surveyed guests at a White House dinner on Monday night regarding their preferred candidate for the 2028 Republican ticket, asking attendees whether they favored JD Vance or Marco Rubio.
A Vance-Rubio combination was suggested as a "dream team" during the discussion.
Background on the Polling
White House aides have been considering potential Republican nominees for the 2028 election. According to sources, Trump has conducted several informal polls in recent weeks.
- At a Mar-a-Lago event, donors favored Rubio.
- Among law enforcement officers, Vance was preferred.
Vance Remains the Presumptive Nominee
Vance remains the presumptive nominee, according to White House sources. His team recently held a retreat to discuss strategy. Vance has also made personnel changes:
- Cliff Sims was appointed as his new national security adviser.
- Will Martin was elevated to deputy chief of staff.
Sims, who is expected to start in several weeks, has ties to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. An administration official stated that Sims' role will focus on national security, not political work.
Rubio's Dual Role and 2028 Speculation
Marco Rubio currently serves as both National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. Speculation about Rubio as a 2028 candidate increased after he filled in for press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a briefing on the Iran war.
A Rubio ally, speaking anonymously, said there is no secret plan to make Rubio president and that the briefing was not volunteered by Rubio but requested by the White House.