In a striking moment aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump shared his vision for a powerful political pairing in the 2028 election.
During a flight from Malaysia to Japan on Monday, Trump speculated on a future presidential ticket featuring Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while also reflecting on his recent diplomatic successes and strong polling data.
Trump's comments came as he traveled between two key stops on his Asia tour. The president had just concluded the first leg of his trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday. There, he played a significant role in facilitating a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.
This treaty addressed a violent border conflict that had already resulted in numerous casualties. Trump expressed pride in the achievement, noting the scale of the challenge overcome. "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," he added. "We got a lot of good credit," Trump continued in his remarks. He also extended appreciation to Malaysian officials for their assistance in the process.
"And I really have to thank Malaysia for that, because the Prime Minister and everybody really helped get the two countries together," Trump noted. Following this diplomatic win, Trump's focus shifted to other global issues during the flight to Japan. He claimed significant progress in resolving international conflicts during his tenure.
"I mean, I just solved eight wars, and a ninth is coming, I believe Russia-Ukraine will happen," Trump stated. His optimism extended to his political standing at home as well. "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," he said.
While discussing future political prospects, Trump turned to the idea of a 2028 election ticket. He specifically highlighted two prominent figures in his administration for their potential. "We have, JD, obviously, the vice president is great," Trump remarked about Vice President JD Vance.
"Marco is great," Trump added, referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present during the conversation. Rubio visibly acknowledged the praise with a nod of agreement. Trump then mused on the strength of a combined ticket featuring both men.
"I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two," Trump speculated. "I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do, I believe that," he emphasized. Such a statement reflects Trump's confidence in the duo's political appeal.
Despite his enthusiasm for Vance and Rubio, Trump remained vague about his own ambitions. He acknowledged the constitutional barrier to a third term under the Twenty-second Amendment. "I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever," he said, hinting at his desire to continue leading. However, Trump stopped short of confirming any concrete plans to challenge the current legal restrictions. His comments left open questions about how he might approach the limitations imposed by the Constitution. For now, his focus appears split between past achievements and future possibilities.
The Asia trip has showcased Trump's emphasis on international diplomacy, with the Cambodia-Thailand agreement as a highlight. At the same time, his remarks on the flight reveal a continued interest in shaping the political landscape at home. The mention of Vance and Rubio as a formidable team suggests he is already thinking ahead to the next major election cycle.
Whether Trump himself will play a direct role in 2028 remains uncertain, given legal constraints. Yet, his endorsement of Vance and Rubio signals a desire to influence the direction of his party. Their potential partnership, as described by Trump, could become a focal point in future political discussions.
Trump's high poll numbers, as he mentioned, may lend weight to his opinions on future candidates. His recent diplomatic efforts, including the peace treaty, further bolster his image as a global problem-solver. These factors combined could amplify the impact of his support for a Vance-Rubio ticket. As the 2028 election is still years away, much can change in the political arena. Nevertheless, Trump's speculative comments provide an early glimpse into possible contenders. His vision of an "unstoppable" pairing may resonate with supporters looking for strong leadership in the future.