President Donald Trump has sparked speculation about the future of American politics by endorsing a potential 2028 presidential pairing of Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent international trip.
According to Breitbart, during a flight on Air Force One from Malaysia to Japan on Monday, Trump discussed a hypothetical Vance-Rubio ticket for 2028, recent diplomatic successes, and his thoughts on a third term while highlighting his strong poll numbers.
Trump’s comments came as he traveled between two Asian nations, fresh off a significant diplomatic achievement. On Sunday, during the first leg of his Asia trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Trump played a key role in brokering a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. This treaty addressed a violent border conflict where thousands had already been injured by gunfire.
Reflecting on the agreement, Trump expressed pride in the outcome, noting the severity of the situation prior to the resolution. “When you look at the treaty we just did, that was a war that was thousands of people were already shot at the border,” Trump said. “And when you look at what we just did it was pretty amazing. We got a lot of good credit,” he added.
Trump also extended appreciation to the Malaysian government for their assistance in facilitating the negotiations. “And I really have to thank Malaysia for that, because the Prime Minister and everybody really helped get the two countries together,” he stated. This diplomatic win marked a notable moment in Trump’s Asia tour, setting the stage for further discussions on global and domestic matters.
Moving from diplomacy to domestic politics, Trump shifted focus to the future of his party during the Air Force One conversation on Monday. He speculated about a potential 2028 presidential ticket, naming Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a formidable team. “We have, JD, obviously, the vice president is great,” Trump remarked, praising his current deputy.
Turning to Rubio, who was present during the discussion, Trump offered high praise for the Secretary of State. “Marco is great… I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two,” Trump said. “I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do, I believe that,” he continued, emphasizing his confidence in their potential. Rubio, listening to Trump’s remarks, visibly acknowledged the endorsement with a nod of agreement. This gesture suggested a mutual understanding or appreciation for the president’s vision of a future political alliance. Trump’s comments about the duo have already generated buzz about what the 2028 election landscape might look like.
Alongside his thoughts on Vance and Rubio, Trump also touched on his own political ambitions during the conversation. When asked about seeking a third term, which is currently prohibited under the Twenty-second Amendment, he remained noncommittal. “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people, as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had,” Trump stated.
Trump repeatedly highlighted his strong public support, suggesting it as a factor in his political considerations. “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” he added, underscoring his current popularity. This ambiguity leaves open questions about whether Trump might push for changes to term limit laws or simply focus on shaping the party’s future. In addition to domestic politics, Trump discussed his broader impact on international affairs during the flight. He claimed significant progress in resolving global conflicts, pointing to multiple achievements on his record. “I mean, I just solved eight wars, and a ninth is coming, I believe Russia–Ukraine will happen,” Trump asserted, hinting at an upcoming resolution.
Trump’s mention of a potential Russia-Ukraine agreement adds to the list of diplomatic efforts he believes define his tenure. While specifics on this ninth resolution were not provided, his confidence suggests active engagement in the issue. This statement reflects Trump’s focus on positioning himself as a global problem-solver amid ongoing international tensions.
Trump’s Asia trip, marked by the Cambodia-Thailand peace deal, demonstrates his continued emphasis on international diplomacy. At the same time, his comments on a Vance-Rubio ticket show a parallel focus on shaping the future of American leadership. These dual priorities highlight the breadth of topics Trump addressed during his journey from Malaysia to Japan.
The Air Force One conversation has sparked interest not only in Trump’s diplomatic claims but also in his political predictions. By naming Vance and Rubio as a powerful potential team, Trump has set the stage for early speculation about the 2028 race. Political analysts and observers are likely to closely watch how this narrative develops in the coming years.
Trump’s endorsement of Vance and Rubio carries weight given his influence within his party and his self-reported high poll numbers. While the 2028 election is still years away, such statements can shape early perceptions and strategies among political hopefuls. The idea of an “unstoppable” ticket, as Trump described it, may inspire discussions among party members and voters alike.
Ultimately, Trump’s remarks aboard Air Force One blend reflections on recent diplomatic successes with forward-looking political musings. From brokering peace in Southeast Asia to envisioning a strong future ticket, Trump continues to keep both global and domestic audiences engaged. As his Asia trip progresses, further insights into his plans and predictions may continue to emerge, keeping the spotlight on his leadership.