Former President Donald Trump has expressed a keen interest in a prospective 2028 presidential bid featuring Senators J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, according to Hollywood and sports mogul Ari Emanuel. Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and TKO Group Holdings, disclosed Trump’s sentiment during a candid conversation with MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, suggesting the former president envisions a "formidable group" for the White House, potentially with Vance leading a Vance-Rubio ticket. This revelation offers a glimpse into Trump’s strategic thinking for the future of the Republican Party, indicating his desire not to remain in office beyond a potential second term.
The Revelation: A 2028 Vision
The surprising insight into Trump’s future political calculus emerged during Emanuel’s Tuesday night appearance at New York’s 92Y, where Maddow interviewed her longtime agent on the occasion of his memoir, Roll the Calls, being released. Emanuel recounted a phone call with Trump approximately three weeks prior, which initially centered on discussions regarding a federal tax credit. During this conversation, Trump reportedly pivoted to the 2028 election cycle, spontaneously identifying Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Florida Senator Marco Rubio as a strong potential pairing. When Maddow pressed for clarification on whether this implied a joint ticket, Emanuel affirmed, "Yes, that’s what he thought." This unsolicited endorsement suggests a possible blueprint for the post-Trump Republican landscape, signaling his preferred successors.
Profiles of Potential Candidates
The notion of a Vance-Rubio ticket combines two distinct but increasingly influential voices within the Republican Party.
Senator J.D. Vance: Vance, the junior senator from Ohio, rose to prominence as the author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which explored the social and economic struggles of the white working class. Initially a vocal critic of Donald Trump, Vance underwent a significant political transformation, becoming a staunch ally and advocate for the former president’s "America First" agenda. His political trajectory, from venture capitalist to populist firebrand, has positioned him as a leading figure among a new generation of nationalist conservatives. A potential presidential run by Vance would likely appeal to the populist base galvanized by Trump, focusing on issues such as trade, immigration, and cultural grievances.
Senator Marco Rubio: Rubio, a veteran senator from Florida, brings a different dimension to the potential ticket. A former presidential candidate himself in 2016, Rubio possesses extensive experience in national politics and a more traditional conservative background, particularly on foreign policy and national security. While he also had an initially contentious relationship with Trump during the 2016 primaries, Rubio has since become a key supporter, aligning with the former president on many policy fronts. His inclusion on a ticket, presumably as a vice-presidential candidate, could offer a blend of establishment credibility and appeal to a broader segment of the Republican electorate, potentially balancing Vance’s populist appeal with a more seasoned legislative background and crucial swing-state representation from Florida. Notably, Rubio has previously indicated he would not challenge Vance for a presidential nomination, a stance that could clear a path for a running mate position.
Ari Emanuel: The Power Broker’s Perspective
Ari Emanuel, a titan in the entertainment and sports industries, stands as a uniquely positioned figure to convey such insights. As CEO of Endeavor, a global entertainment and sports company that owns UFC and WWE through TKO Group Holdings, Emanuel commands immense influence. His memoir, Roll the Calls, chronicles his journey from a young apprentice in the CAA mailroom to his current status atop a vast empire, often employing an aggressive, deal-making style. His interview with Maddow was a fascinating exchange between a powerful agent and his equally powerful client, marked by periods of cordiality, feistiness, and even testiness, as Maddow pressed Emanuel on his relationships with various powerful figures.
Navigating Political and Media Landscapes
The conversation extended beyond Trump’s 2028 musings, delving into Emanuel’s philosophy on engaging with controversial figures and his role in the broader media landscape.
Engagements with Tech and Media Titans: Emanuel defended his friendliness with powerful, often polarizing, figures like Elon Musk and David Ellison, asserting that his interactions were for "the greater good." He acknowledged his company’s investment in Musk’s Twitter (now X) and claimed to have "changed him a little," despite admitting disagreements with Musk, particularly on immigration. Emanuel praised Musk’s contributions in other areas, such as supporting Ukraine, Neuralink, and space exploration. Similarly, he supported David Ellison’s successful bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, despite Maddow’s pointed critiques of Ellison’s impact on CBS News properties.
Scrutiny on Media Ownership and Influence: Maddow, a prominent voice in news media, repeatedly challenged Emanuel on the implications of compliant billionaires consolidating media ownership. She highlighted concerns about the state of CBS News under Ellison’s influence, calling the situation "an embarrassment" and pointing to the substantial business reasons behind Emanuel’s support, such as Ellison’s $7.4 billion acquisition of UFC rights. Emanuel, however, deflected some of these criticisms by emphasizing the evolving nature of news consumption, stating, "You’re getting most of your news from your phone and social media," rather than directly addressing the potential for undue influence by media proprietors.
Global Connections and Ethical Debates
Emanuel’s interview also touched upon his controversial international dealings, including a 2018 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding potential UFC expansion and his warming relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This latter association came under particular scrutiny given Emanuel had previously returned a $400 million investment from Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Jamal Khashoggi murder. Maddow pressed him directly, asking, "Where’s the line?" Emanuel responded with a pragmatic, if somewhat frustrated, view, stating, "I’m sorry to say we’re adults… It’s not always black and white," and suggested MBS has since "done some incredible stuff." He also defended holding a UFC event on the White House lawn in June, emphasizing the event’s "incredible videos on American history." These exchanges underscored the complex ethical considerations inherent in the world of high-stakes business and political maneuvering.
Trump’s Influence and the Future of the GOP
Trump’s expressed enthusiasm for a Vance-Rubio ticket speaks volumes about his ongoing desire to shape the Republican Party’s future, even if he were to exit the Oval Office. Emanuel interpreted Trump’s comment as a signal that the former president is not intent on remaining in the White House "forever," countering Maddow’s concern that Trump might not willingly leave office in 2028.
The Post-Presidency Blueprint: An outgoing president’s active involvement in hand-picking a successor ticket is not unprecedented but rarely translates directly into an electoral victory. While presidents often endorse candidates from their own party, the idea of explicitly identifying a joint ticket years in advance, particularly from a former president known for his unique sway over the GOP base, provides a rare insight into his long-term vision. This move could be interpreted as an attempt to consolidate his legacy and ensure the continued influence of his political ideology.
Challenges for a Dream Ticket: Despite Trump’s endorsement, a potential Vance-Rubio ticket faces significant hurdles. Vance would first need to secure the Republican presidential nomination, which is anticipated to be a highly competitive primary in a post-Trump era. Should he succeed, the choice of Rubio as a running mate would then depend on strategic calculations regarding Rubio’s ability to broaden the ticket’s appeal. Historically, an outgoing president’s ability to directly "joystick" the selection of the next president has been limited, with significant examples primarily observed prior to the 1980s. The political landscape of 2028 will undoubtedly present its own unique challenges and opportunities for any prospective ticket.
The Emanuel Family’s Political Footprint
The discussion at the 92Y event also touched upon the broader political involvement of the Emanuel family. Ari Emanuel did not shy away from discussing speculation about his brother, Rahm Emanuel, potentially positioning himself as a centrist spoiler in the Democratic 2028 presidential primary. Ari expressed unwavering support, stating he would do "whatever I can" should Rahm decide to run, praising his brother’s qualifications as a former White House Chief of Staff and Mayor of Chicago. This highlights the deep connections and influence the Emanuel family maintains across both political and cultural spheres.
A Broader Conversation on Power and Influence
The interview ultimately served as a microcosm of larger debates surrounding power, influence, and accountability in contemporary society. Maddow repeatedly challenged Emanuel on whether his relationships with powerful, sometimes controversial, figures had any "positive or mitigating effect on the harm they are doing to our country." Emanuel maintained that through conversation and engagement, he believed he had "swayed them" on certain issues, even if such subtle influence might not satisfy his critics. He also downplayed the singular threat of Trump’s presidency, asking, "You don’t think people said at the time Nixon was the most dangerous president in all of U.S. history?" a comparison Maddow and parts of the audience audibly rejected.
The revelation of Donald Trump’s enthusiasm for a Vance-Rubio ticket for 2028 underscores the ongoing realignment within the Republican Party and the enduring influence of the former president. As political strategists and potential candidates begin to cast their gaze towards the next presidential cycle, such an endorsement from a figure of Trump’s stature could significantly shape early considerations and the eventual primary landscape, even as the complex interplay of media, power, and ethics continues to be debated by figures like Ari Emanuel and Rachel Maddow.
