Who will replace Trump?

With President Trump term-limited and his presidency set to expire in January of 2029, the question of who will succeed him is on the minds of many Republicans - and Democrats. While the president picked JD Vance to be his running mate in 2024 - leading many people to assume he would then be Trumps natural successor - when asked the president refused to say who he would support in the 2028 Republican primary.

Who are the top contenders?

The top two contenders for this position are currently JD Vance and Marco Rubio. However, there are many others who could be potential outbreaks. The best place to look is the cabinet. If not Rubio or Vance, then who? In my opinion there are three overlooked cabinet members with the potential to either be at the top or bottom of the ticket come 2028. Number 1, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Despite Hegseth having no prior political experience (besides as the current secretary) something tells me that doesn't matter much to Trump. While he has made no comment as to what he plans to do, I view him as a middle ground, or even compromise candidate between Vance and Rubio. Not a full interventionist, but also not interested in getting America too involved overseas. Say what you will about him, but he is articulate, charismatic, and has the charm of a future president. He has also overcome a lot of the scrutiny he will certainly receive if he chooses to run - through his confirmation hearings earlier this year.

Number 2, another overlooked secretary, Sean Duffy, I see is a potential candidate. If not at the top, a top pick for VP. He too is young and charismatic but not in as prominent a role as Hegseth, Vance or Rubio. Finally, number 3. Not my top pick but someone who should definitely be on your radar - Kristi Noem. While she did not challenge Trump in 2024, she certainly is ambitious and has her eye on 2028. Although she has been through controversy, she does have a strong base of support among the MAGA movement as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Even though 2028 is a ways away, if will be here before we know it. The future of the movement Trump built lies in the balance and the coming years will decide who gets to carry the torch. Buckle up for the post-Trump era of politics.

David Feig