Trump Endorses Vance as MAGA Successor for 2028, Signals Robust Crime Crackdown

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President Donald Trump has named Vice President JD Vance as a likely successor to lead the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement in 2028. Speaking from the White House’s South Court Auditorium on Tuesday, Trump praised Vance’s leadership and indicated that other cabinet members may also play major roles in shaping the next phase of the Republican Party.

The event was held to announce the formation of the 2028 Olympics Task Force, created through executive order. However, questions from the press shifted attention to Trump’s political future and the next generation of Republican leadership.

In a same-day interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump addressed speculation about a potential third term. “I’d like to run,” he said, “I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.” Still, he clarified, “I probably wouldn’t,” backing off the idea of running again after 2028.

Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy later asked Trump about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent endorsement of Vance as a strong 2028 nominee. Trump responded, “Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he’s the vice president.” He went on to mention the possibility of Rubio and Vance collaborating in some form, calling both “formidable.”

Trump also pointed to the strength of other administration officials. “I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here,” he said. “So it’s too early to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job. And he would probably be favored at this point.”

During the same press event, Trump joked about the 2028 Olympics. “I didn’t think I’d be here for the games,” he said, signaling awareness of his final term timeline.

Reporters also questioned whether the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would continue making cuts to federal spending. Trump responded, “Well, it’s not so much DOGE anymore,” a likely reference to the department’s former head, Elon Musk. Musk, who stepped down earlier this year, has had public disagreements with the administration. Despite this, federal filings show he donated $5 million to Trump’s super PAC in June.

Trump stated that any future spending reductions would be handled “with a scalpel as opposed to an axe,” suggesting a more measured approach to budget cuts going forward.

The president also addressed the recent attack on Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old former DOGE staffer. Known by the nickname “Big Balls,” Coristine was reportedly injured during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C., over the weekend. Local authorities are investigating the incident. While details remain limited, the event has drawn attention to concerns over public safety in the capital.

As Trump continues through his second term, focus is shifting toward who will carry the MAGA banner into 2028. His comments this week position JD Vance as a frontrunner, while keeping the door open for other allies within the administration. Trump’s preference for continuity suggests the next Republican nominee could emerge directly from his current leadership circle.