- President Donald Trump is reportedly giving increasingly high marks to Vice President JD Vance , strengthening Vance’s chances for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination over Secretary of State Marco Rubio .
- Vance's increased public visibility, including promoting a new memoir and negotiating an end to the Iran war, has reportedly caught Trump’s attention, insiders told Axios .
- Recent polls show Vance as the hypothetical GOP frontrunner by a wide margin, with Rubio trailing in second place.
- Despite his rising profile, Vance faces potential political liabilities, including his association with the unpopular Iran war, ties to Silicon Valley, and a public feud with the Pope.
- Vance benefits from an early endorsement from Erika Kirk and strong fundraising capabilities, while Rubio has advantages in foreign policy and potential appeal to Latino voters.
IN FULL
JD Vance has taken the lead as Trump’s 2028 heir while Rubio fades into the background, insiders say
