Trump Names JD Vance as His MAGA Successor

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially named his most trusted ally and current Vice President JD Vance as the “most likely” successor to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Speaking about the future of MAGA leadership, Trump stated that Vance is currently his “most preferred” heir to the movement.

Trump added that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could also be associated with the MAGA vision in some capacity. “Rubio may join JD in some form,” Trump noted. Although Trump, who assumed office just six months ago, acknowledged that it may be “too early” to talk about successors, he made it clear that Vance is doing “a great job.”

JD Vance, 40, is a former Marine and served as the Senator from Ohio between 2023 and 2025. He now plays a key role in Trump’s second term. Previously, Rubio and Vance were considered competitors for the Vice President position, but now both work closely to advance Trump's agenda.

This is the first time Trump has publicly signaled JD Vance as a potential successor. According to PTI, quoting Time.com, Trump had hinted back in May that both Vance and Rubio were possible heirs to lead the MAGA movement beyond 2028.