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The President doubled down, adding, “And he would be probably favored at this point.”
The interview took place at the South Court Auditorium, where Trump was signing an executive order establishing a task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While Vance’s name wasn’t shocking to hear, Trump’s next suggestion was.
Trump hinted that Florida Senator-turned-Secretary of State Marco Rubio could join Vance on the ticket.
“In all fairness, he’s the vice president, and I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said.
For many America First conservatives, the thought of pairing Vance with Rubio raises serious concerns about the future direction of the movement.
While Trump praises Vance as a trusted ally, grassroots conservatives see warning signs — particularly when it comes to labor policy.
Vance has taken a softer approach to Right to Work laws, which are designed to stop unions from forcing workers to pay dues as a condition of employment. These laws have been a cornerstone of conservative economic reform for decades.
Even more troubling for some is Vance’s warm relationship with union leadership.
“There’s a real concern that JD is getting too comfortable with the union bosses,” one conservative activist told reporters.
For America First voters who supported Trump to break the grip of union power on U.S. industry, Vance’s stance looks uncomfortably close to the old Republican habit of cutting deals with Big Labor.
If Vance’s labor positions make the base nervous, Rubio’s track record on foreign policy only heightens the anxiety.
Rubio has already endorsed Vance, telling Lara Trump last month, “I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that.”
But Rubio’s history is firmly rooted in the neoconservative, interventionist worldview that Trump’s America First campaign promised to end.
Back in 2016, Rubio ran on a platform that embraced foreign nation-building and aggressive overseas involvement — the exact opposite of Trump’s “America First, not America everywhere” philosophy.
Even now, many conservatives suspect Rubio’s current alignment with Trump is more about political survival than genuine ideological conversion.
Trump’s endorsement of Vance illustrates the difficult reality for the America First movement.
On one hand, Vance shares Trump’s instincts on trade, immigration enforcement, and challenging China. His military background and working-class story resonate with the same voters who fueled Trump’s rise.
But his softness toward Big Labor — and the possibility of teaming up with Rubio — hints at a shift away from the movement’s core principles.
“It’s a tough spot for conservatives who want to support Trump but have real concerns about where the movement goes next,” said one longtime Trump supporter.
Trump’s pick shows he’s thinking strategically about his political legacy. But it also exposes a tension between loyalty to allies and the ideological purity his base demands.
If Vance and Rubio lead the ticket in 2028, America First supporters may have to choose between sticking with Trump’s blessing or pushing for new leaders who won’t compromise on core policies.
The 2028 race is still years away, but one thing is clear — Trump’s endorsement has already reshaped the conversation and forced conservatives to reckon with the movement’s future.
