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    Trump Issues Early Midterm Endorsement – Before Candidate Even Files To Run

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind a potential new Republican candidate in Florida, publicly urging Sydney Gruters to enter the race for Congress in the state’s 16th District — and promising his full endorsement if she does.

    In a Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump signaled strong support for Gruters, who has not yet officially declared her candidacy but is reportedly considering a run.

    “Word is that Sydney Gruters, the wife of our GREAT Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Joe Gruters, is considering launching her Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 16th Congressional District!” Trump wrote.

    “Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!” the president added.

    The endorsement comes as the seat opens up following GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan’s decision not to seek re-election, setting the stage for what could become a competitive Republican primary in a reliably conservative district along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

    Sydney Gruters is married to Joe Gruters, a prominent figure in Republican politics who currently serves as chair of the Republican National Committee and as a Florida state senator. Her potential candidacy would further cement the Gruters family’s influence within both state and national GOP circles.

    Responding to Trump’s backing, Gruters expressed gratitude while stopping short of confirming her plans.

    “I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” she said, according to Florida Politics. “His leadership transformed our country and continues to inspire millions of Americans who believe in putting America First. I’m especially committed to advancing policies that lower the cost of living for hardworking families across our community. I’m grateful for his support and look forward to making an announcement about the path ahead very soon.”

    Gruters currently serves as executive director and vice president of advancement for the New College Foundation, giving her a background in education and nonprofit leadership that could shape her campaign message if she enters the race.

    Trump’s early endorsement — issued before an official campaign launch — underscores his continued influence in Republican primaries and his willingness to shape candidate fields well ahead of election season. His backing often carries significant weight among GOP voters, particularly in Florida, a state where he remains highly popular within the party.

    In his post, Trump also outlined the policy priorities he believes Gruters would champion in Congress, framing her as a reliable ally of his political agenda.

    “A Highly Successful Civic Leader and Public Servant, Sydney has dedicated her life to serving her Community, and she and her family are fierce advocates for our Movement to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!,” Trump wrote.

    “As your next Congresswoman, Sydney will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

    With Buchanan stepping aside and Trump already signaling his preferred candidate, the race for Florida’s 16th District is quickly taking shape — even as Sydney Gruters weighs whether to officially enter the contest.

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    Trump-endorsed Candidate Concedes Primary Following 23-Vote Margin

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, one of the state’s most powerful Republicans, conceded his GOP primary race Tuesday after a second recount confirmed he trailed by just 23 votes. The razor-thin loss to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page ends Berger’s long tenure representing the Triad-area district and signals a potential leadership shake-up in a critical battleground state ahead of the midterms.

    “While this was a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory,” Berger said in a statement following the recount results.

    “Over the past 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have fundamentally redefined our state’s outlook and reputation. It has been an honor to play a role in that transformation.”

    Unofficial results showed Page winning 13,135 votes to Berger’s 13,112, capping a dramatic contest that initially saw Page ahead by just two votes on primary night. His margin grew slightly as election officials reviewed provisional and absentee ballots, and subsequent recounts failed to change the outcome.

    Berger’s defeat marks a major upset in North Carolina politics. As Senate leader since 2011, he has been a central figure in shaping Republican policy in the state. His loss comes despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump and reported efforts by GOP leaders to persuade Page to step aside, underscoring tensions within the party as it prepares for a high-stakes election cycle.

    The outcome is likely to reverberate beyond the district. North Carolina is one of the nation’s top political battlegrounds, and Republicans are working to defend their legislative supermajority while also competing nationally to maintain their narrow U.S. House majority in the midterm elections. Party leaders have been particularly focused on redistricting efforts, including recent changes to congressional maps aimed at flipping a Democratic-held seat.

    Page, who had urged Berger to concede as recounts concluded, framed his victory as a call for unity heading into November.

    “I thank him for wishing me the best moving forward,” Page said after Berger called to concede. “Now it’s time for our community to come together and focus on winning in November.”

    He will face Democrat Steve Luking in the general election in what is considered a GOP-leaning district. Berger defeated Luking in 2024.

    Despite the loss, Berger will remain in office through January and continue to preside over the Senate during the short legislative session. He emphasized his intention to support fellow Republicans as they prepare for the general election.

    “Looking ahead, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the short session to ensure North Carolina continues to be the best state in the nation in which to live, work, raise a family, and retire,” Berger said. “In the months ahead, I will also do everything I can to support all Republican Senate candidates and protect our supermajority.”

    With control of Congress and key state legislatures at stake, Republicans are increasingly wary of internal divisions and low-turnout primary surprises. Berger’s narrow defeat highlights how even entrenched incumbents can be vulnerable, adding a new layer of uncertainty as the party heads into a pivotal midterm season.

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    DeSantis Hints At Another White House Run

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is leaving the door open to another presidential bid after his unsuccessful 2024 campaign, signaling he could reemerge as a contender in the increasingly competitive 2028 Republican primary.

    “We’ll see,” DeSantis told Fox News host Sean Hannity on his podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.” The full interview is set to be released Tuesday.

    DeSantis, who is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027, faces a relatively short window to decide his political future. With the 2028 primary season expected to ramp up shortly thereafter, he will have roughly a year out of office to assess whether to launch another White House run.

    Once viewed as a rising star in the GOP, DeSantis entered the 2024 presidential race with significant momentum. His national profile surged his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and a dominant nearly 20-point reelection victory in Florida in 2022. Early on, he was widely considered one of the strongest alternatives to former President Trump.

    However, his campaign struggled to gain traction amid a prolonged and often contentious rivalry with Trump, who retained deep loyalty among Republican voters. After finishing a distant second in the Iowa caucuses — with just over 21 percent of the vote and nine delegates — DeSantis suspended his campaign ahead of the New Hampshire primary and endorsed Trump. He ultimately placed third overall in the Republican primary, behind Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

    Reflecting on that race, DeSantis suggested his support was constrained by Trump’s presence in the field.

    “They were conservative voters, right? They didn’t want the non-conservative, they wanted me,” he said. “But the timing didn’t work out, obviously, for that.”

    “So you just got to see what happens,” he added.

    Looking ahead, the 2028 Republican primary is already beginning to take shape, with several high-profile figures jockeying for early position. Vice President JD Vance currently holds a significant polling advantage, benefiting from his national platform and close alignment with Trump-era politics.

    Recent surveys illustrate the early dynamics of the race. A poll conducted by Echelon Insights found that 40 percent of Republican-leaning respondents favored Vance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed at 16 percent, while Donald Trump Jr., DeSantis and Haley trailed with 9 percent, 5 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Thirteen percent of respondents remained undecided.

    A separate poll by The Public Sentiment Institute showed a somewhat tighter field, with DeSantis polling at 13.5 percent — good for third place — behind Vance (29.3 percent) and Rubio (15.5 percent). Nearly 10 percent of respondents were undecided.

    The early polling underscores both the opportunity and the challenge for DeSantis. While he remains a recognizable figure with a record that appeals to conservative voters, he would likely enter a crowded field that includes establishment figures like Rubio, Trump-aligned candidates such as Vance and Trump Jr., and other potential contenders still weighing bids.

    With Trump’s future political role uncertain and no clear consensus successor, the 2028 race is shaping up to be a wide-open contest. Whether DeSantis can reestablish himself as a top-tier candidate may depend on how effectively he rebuilds momentum after his 2024 defeat — and whether the political environment proves more favorable the second time around.

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    Democrat Donors Boost Trump-Backed Challenger To Oust Rep. Thomas Massie

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Political representation of parties making money

    A growing share of high-dollar political donors with histories of supporting Democratic candidates are now backing Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and primary challenger to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.

    Gallrein, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is positioning himself as a MAGA-aligned alternative to Massie—one of the most independent-minded Republicans in Congress and a frequent critic of party leadership, including Trump at times.

    Trump has made unseating Massie a priority, previously signaling he would support a primary challenger after clashes with the Kentucky congressman over key votes and strategy. Gallrein has emerged as that candidate.

    However, campaign finance records reviewed by the Daily Caller raise questions about the ideological makeup of Gallrein’s donor base.

    According to Federal Election Commission filings, 85% of donors who contributed the maximum allowable amount to Gallrein’s campaign have previously donated to Democratic candidates. Of the 141 donors identified in the fourth quarter who gave at least $3,500, 120 had prior histories of donating to Democrats.

    Additionally, 112 of those donors—roughly 79%—are considered high-dollar contributors to Democratic campaigns, suggesting a significant overlap between Gallrein’s financial support and traditional Democratic donor networks.

    The findings stand in contrast to Gallrein’s public claims about his fundraising.

    “Let me give you an example: my money is coming from conservatives — not from the same people who got Mamdani elected,” Gallrein said during a Feb. 25 appearance on Hugh Hewitt’s show.

    “I’ve challenged journalists to look into where his funding is coming from — there’s a Pulitzer Prize waiting for whoever does that research,” Gallrein said. “The sentiment right now is like a pressure valve being released. There’s finally a viable candidate, and it’s a one-on-one race — not a split field he’s benefited from in the past. And his money isn’t coming from Kentucky.”

    When asked about the apparent discrepancy, the Gallrein campaign dismissed the criticism.

    “Honestly, we find that question is ridiculous. Thomas Massie is bankrolled by Obama donors, Kamala donors, Hillary donors, and even Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar donors. You should be asking him about that,” a campaign spokesperson told the Caller.

    “President Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein because he’s the MAGA conservative in this race. There is a reason the ladies of View [sic] love Massie. Maybe ask Massie’s best friend, socialist Ro Khanna, about who is the conservative in this race,” the spokesperson added.

    Among Gallrein’s contributors is Adam Offenhartz, who made an in-kind donation to the campaign and has previously supported both former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign and President Joe Biden’s 2020 bid.

    The race is shaping up as a high-profile proxy battle within the Republican Party, while drawing in an unexpected mix of donors from across the political spectrum.

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    Trump Re-endorses ‘RINO’ Congressman He Unendorsed Less Than A Month Ago

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    President Donald Trump has re-endorsed Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, less than a month after withdrawing his support over Hurd’s vote against the president’s tariffs.

    In a Friday post on Truth Social, Trump said Hurd’s primary opponent, former Colorado GOP vice chair and Navy veteran Hope Scheppelman, agreed to exit the race and instead join his administration “in a capacity to be determined.” Trump had originally endorsed Hurd for reelection in October 2025, but rescinded that endorsement in February after Hurd joined six other Republicans and Democrats in supporting a House resolution to repeal tariffs on Canada.

    “I met with Hope Scheppelman and her husband Steven, of the Radical Left State of Colorado, to discuss various opportunities to serve our Country in a different capacity than her current run for the United States Congress,” Trump wrote in his Friday post. “Together with them, we decided that Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, should in no way, shape, or form, be impeded from winning the District in that the Democrat alternative is a DISASTER for our Country.”

    “Therefore, I will be fully supporting Jeff’s Re-Election to the House of Representatives, giving him my Complete and Total Endorsement!” the president added. “Every true MAGA supporter and Republican, if they truly care about saving our Country, will do everything in their power to unify together, and defeat the Crazed Radical Left Democrats this November.”

    Trump had sharply criticized Hurd in his February 21 post announcing the withdrawal of his endorsement.

    “Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down. He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America,” Trump wrote at the time, defending his “unbelievably successful” tariffs, which he said made “America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before.”

    “Taking back an Endorsement is a difficult decision for me. I have only done it once before, with a former Congressman named Mo Brooks, from Alabama, who was leading by 54 points after my Endorsement for U.S. Senate, and then, he unexpectedly, for strictly political reasons, changed his views on the Rigged Election of 2020, and lost his Race in a Landslide to Katie Britt, who I Endorsed,” Trump continued, referencing the 2022 Alabama Senate race.

    “These are the decisions that must be made, however, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he added at the time.

    Following Trump’s renewed endorsement, Hurd expressed appreciation and emphasized party unity.

    “I’m grateful for President Trump’s support and appreciate his efforts to unify Republicans in Colorado’s Third District,” Hurd wrote in a Friday post on X. “The President and I share the same goals: securing the border, American energy dominance, and helping working families. I will continue to focus on representing Colorado’s Third District, delivering results for rural Colorado, and running a serious campaign to earn the support of voters across the district.”

    With Scheppelman exiting the race and the candidate filing deadline now passed, Hurd appears set to run unopposed in the Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. He is widely expected to secure the nomination on June 30.

    The general election also favors Republicans. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the district as “Likely Republican,” and it backed Trump by 10 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. The seat is not among those targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which is instead focusing on the neighboring 5th District.

    The 3rd District was previously represented by Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, who moved to the more conservative 4th District in 2024 after a close reelection race two years earlier.

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    House GOP Campaign Arm Launches ‘MAGA Majority’ Program To Boost Trump-aligned Candidates

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    As Republicans work to hold and expand their narrow House majority ahead of this year’s midterm elections, the party’s campaign arm is rolling out a new initiative aimed at elevating a slate of Trump-aligned candidates.

    The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Tuesday announced its first group of contenders under the “MAGA Majority” program, which highlights Republican candidates competing in key battleground districts nationwide. The announcement was first shared with Fox News Digital.

    The MAGA Majority program, previously known as the “Young Guns” initiative in earlier cycles, is part of a broader GOP effort to defend its slim 218–214 advantage in the House. Democrats need a net gain of just three seats in the midterms to reclaim control of the chamber.

    “House Republicans are on offense, and the MAGA Majority is the next wave of leaders who will help us expand our majority in 2026,” NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina said in a statement.

    Hudson added, “From veterans and job creators to proven conservative fighters and local leaders, these candidates are stepping up to secure the border, lower costs, and deliver on President Trump’s America First agenda.”

    According to the NRCC, candidates selected for the MAGA Majority will receive early backing, strategic resources, and increased visibility as Republicans seek to compete in districts they view as vulnerable for Democrats.

    The GOP faces traditional midterm headwinds, as the party in power typically loses seats. Republicans are also navigating a challenging political environment shaped by ongoing economic concerns, including persistent inflation, as well as President Trump’s underwater approval ratings.

    Still, Republicans point to opportunities on the electoral map. Democrats will be defending more than a dozen districts that Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election, and the NRCC argues that “the MAGA Majority is designed to capitalize on that opportunity.”

    The initial MAGA Majority roster includes:

    • Mike LiPetri (New York’s 3rd District), a former state lawmaker, attorney, and businessman aiming to flip a competitive Long Island seat
    • Peter Oberacker (New York’s 19th District), a state senator, farmer, and small business owner with strong ties to upstate New York
    • Tano Tijerina (Texas’ 28th District), a Webb County judge highlighted as a border security advocate
    • Eric Flores (Texas’ 34th District), a decorated Army veteran and former prosecutor from the Rio Grande Valley
    • Kevin Lincoln (California’s 13th District), former Stockton mayor and Marine, described by the NRCC as a rising Republican figure
    • Paul LePage (Maine’s 2nd District), a former two-term governor running in a district Trump has carried in all three of his presidential campaigns
    • Jay Feely (Arizona’s 1st District), a former NFL player, analyst, and humanitarian
    • Laurie Buckhout (North Carolina’s 1st District), a 26-year Army veteran and Gulf War veteran
    • Joe Mitchell (Iowa’s 2nd District), a former state representative, Trump administration veteran, and conservative grassroots organizer

    Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is targeting 44 Republican-held districts as it looks to flip the House.

    Democrats remain energized despite broader polling challenges. They point to strong performances in 2025 elections and a series of special election overperformances since Trump returned to the White House, driven in part by a focus on affordability issues amid ongoing inflation.

    “Democrats are on offense, and our map reflects the fact that everyday Americans are tired of Republicans’ broken promises and ready for change in Congress,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement. “Healthcare, housing, groceries, energy bills — they are all going up, and it’s directly because of Republican policies that favor the wealthiest few while leaving hardworking families behind.”

    DelBene added, “Going into the midterms, Democrats have the winning message, top-tier candidates, and the public on our side, paving the way for a new Democratic House Majority under the leadership of a Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.”

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    Former Trump Appointee Says MAGA Movement Is ‘Dead’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    A former Trump administration official is lighting a match under the MAGA movement—and claiming it’s already burned out.

    Carrie Prejean Boller, once appointed by Trump to the White House Religious Liberty Commission, declared Monday that “MAGA is dead,” accusing the president of abandoning his “America First” roots and aligning U.S. foreign policy with Israel in the escalating conflict with Iran.

    Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Prejean Boller didn’t hold back.

    “I think that a foreign country has occupied our government, and we are seeing now that this president of the United States of America is being influenced by a foreign government,” she said.

    “And MAGA, let me tell you right now, MAGA is dead. It is deader than dead, and Americans are furious. We don’t recognize President Donald J. Trump anymore,” she added, calling Trump a “dear friend” she no longer recognizes.

    Her comments come amid a growing fracture inside the Republican coalition following U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28—an operation that has reignited debate over what “America First” actually means in practice.

    Prejean Boller herself was recently ousted from the Religious Liberty Commission after being accused of attempting to “hijack” a hearing on antisemitism. Trump had appointed her to the role in May 2025.

    But she’s far from alone in her criticism.

    Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of Trump’s fiercest allies, is also breaking ranks—calling the strikes a betrayal of campaign promises.

    “The American people did not vote for this,” Greene told CNN. “I went to, I can’t even tell you, countless rallies all over the country for President Trump… and we said on every single rally stage, ‘No more foreign wars, no more regime change.’”

    The internal rupture deepened further Tuesday when Joe Kent abruptly resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center—the first Trump official to step down in protest over the Iran conflict.

    “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote on X. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

    The White House swiftly dismissed that claim. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the suggestion that Trump was influenced by Israel “insulting and laughable.”

    Despite the high-profile defections, early polling suggests the MAGA base hasn’t moved nearly as much as its loudest critics. An NBC News survey found just 5% of self-identified MAGA Republicans opposed the initial strikes.

    Prejean Boller isn’t buying it.

    “I talk to MAGA people all day long, every day, and the everyday, average American is absolutely against this war,” she said. “And they know that the only reason why we are even in Iran right now is because of Israel.”

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    GOP Lawmaker Warns Trump Against One Move That Would ‘Destroy’ Republican Party

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5

    Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) issued a stark warning Tuesday to President Trump, cautioning that a unilateral move to withdraw the United States from NATO could fracture the Republican Party and trigger long-lasting internal divisions.

    “If he broke up NATO on his own, it would be a civil war in the Republican caucus, or the conference,” Bacon warned CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “Most of us would find that totally unacceptable, and I’m not alone. There’s a large group of us that believe in our alliances and standing up for freedom and pushing back on China and Russia.

    “We don’t want war with these guys, but you’ve got to be strong, and if he went in and somehow destroyed or tore up NATO, it would probably destroy the party for many years,” he added. “There would be many that will never forgive that.”

    Bacon, a retired Air Force general who has often positioned himself as a more traditional, internationalist Republican, has at times broken with Trump on foreign policy and national security issues. While not a consistent antagonist of the former president, he has repeatedly defended U.S. alliances and a robust global posture—placing him at odds with Trump.

    A moment later, Bacon reiterated that he believes the GOP “would implode” if the U.S. were to depart NATO.

    His comments came after Trump sharply criticized the alliance earlier Tuesday in a Truth Social post, arguing that U.S. military strength makes reliance on allies unnecessary. The president lashed out at countries reluctant to support U.S. operations tied to escalating tensions with Iran.

    “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!” Trump wrote. “Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

    Trump has also been pushing for an international coalition to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been closed since late February amid the conflict with Iran. The disruption has driven sharp increases in oil, gas, and fertilizer prices worldwide.

    On Wednesday, President Trump escalated his rhetoric and floated the idea of shifting responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to other countries that rely on the strategic shipping route after the U.S. has “finished off” Iran, in a jab at America’s “non-responsive allies.”

    “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so-called ‘Strait?’ That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!,” Trump wrote.

    Moments later he added: “Remember, for all of those absolute “fools” out there, Iran is considered, by everyone, to be the NUMBER ONE STATE SPONSOR OF TERROR. We are rapidly putting them out of business!”

    Despite his criticism of NATO, Trump warned Sunday that the alliance faces a “very bad” future if member nations do not contribute more to joint security efforts. He has long argued that NATO countries fail to meet defense spending commitments and has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance.

    Bacon’s warning underscores the divide between Republicans on the issue. As a lawmaker preparing to leave Congress, bacon has opted to speak more candidly about the potential political consequences of Trump’s foreign policy approach. His comments reflect broader concerns among establishment-minded Republicans who view NATO as central to U.S. global leadership and national security.

    Formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion, NATO remains a cornerstone of Western military cooperation. While some Republicans aligned with Trump have dismissed it as outdated, others—like Bacon—argue that abandoning the alliance would not only weaken U.S. influence abroad but is also likely to ignite a damaging rift at home.

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    Report: Growing Coalition Of Republicans Quietly Turning Their Sights On Rubio For 2028

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    A year ago, the path appeared clear for Vice President JD Vance to emerge as the heir apparent to President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement heading into the 2028 election.

    Vance, who was just 40 years old at the time of the 2024 election, entered office with a wave of support from Republicans and the strong backing of Trump’s family. Early in the administration, many within the party saw him as the natural successor to Trump.

    While the vice president remains well positioned for a likely 2028 run, quiet questions are beginning to emerge about whether his path to the nomination is as inevitable as it once seemed. Much of that speculation centers on the rising profile of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose influence within the administration has grown significantly during the first year of Trump’s second term — particularly following the U.S. strikes on Iran.

    The long-term political consequences of the conflict remain unclear. But Rubio’s growing visibility has caught the attention of many of Trump’s closest allies — including the president himself. According to multiple sources who spoke with ABC News, Trump has privately remarked on how “popular” and “loved” Rubio has become within the administration.

    People close to the president say Trump has repeatedly praised Rubio both publicly and privately. At times, the president has even started standing ovations for him during events and declared that Rubio will go down as “the greatest secretary of state in history.”

    Despite the growing speculation, Trump has so far declined to formally endorse either Vance or Rubio as his preferred successor. Instead, he has occasionally floated the idea of the two running together on a joint ticket — without specifying which would lead it.

    Behind closed doors, however, Trump has continued to raise the question with allies and donors. According to sources, the president has asked people directly: “Marco or JD?” — including during a discussion with donors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in late February, as first reported by Axios.

    ‘Draft Rubio’ movement begins to form

    As Rubio’s prominence grows, some Republican donors have quietly begun discussing ways to strengthen his political future ahead of the 2028 election.

    Multiple sources told ABC News that a group of donors and party figures has started exploring the possibility of organizing a “draft Rubio” effort after the 2026 midterm elections. Those discussions are being driven by supporters and political allies rather than Rubio himself, reflecting what some in Trump-aligned circles see as increasing enthusiasm for the secretary of state within the party.

    Still, Republican operatives note that donor enthusiasm does not necessarily determine the eventual nominee.

    “Donors don’t pick the nominee — the base picks,” one senior Republican operative told ABC News. “Donors tried to abandon President Trump and tried to pick [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis, and we all saw how that went.”

    When asked about donor interest in Rubio’s future, White House communications director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation.

    “The President has assembled an all-star team that has achieved unprecedented success in just over one year,” Cheung said in a statement to ABC News. “No amount of crazed media speculation about Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio will deter this Administration’s mission of fighting for the American people.”

    The vice president’s office declined to comment.

    Rubio’s Expanding Role in the Administration

    Over the course of the administration’s first year, Rubio has steadily taken on a larger role in Trump’s government.

    In addition to serving as secretary of state, Rubio has at times taken on other major responsibilities, including acting national security adviser and acting director of the U.S. Agency for International Development. His growing list of assignments has even become something of a running joke around Washington, with some observers wondering what position Rubio might take on next.

    His profile rose even further following the administration’s recent military strikes on Iran.

    Rubio emerged as one of the leading public voices explaining the operation alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. When Trump authorized the sweeping strikes — known as Operation Epic Fury — Rubio was already traveling to Mar-a-Lago, where he joined the president in a makeshift situation room to monitor the opening hours of the operation.

    Meanwhile, Vance remained in Washington during the strikes.

    The vice president monitored the operation from the White House Situation Room alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. They were connected by conference line to Trump and the rest of the national security team at Mar-a-Lago.

    A spokesperson for Vance told ABC News that the vice president stayed in Washington “to maintain operational secrecy and in keeping with the administration’s security protocol to limit the President and Vice President co-locating away from the White House.”

    During the early days of the conflict, Rubio remained by Trump’s side at Mar-a-Lago, further fueling speculation about his rising influence inside the administration.

    At the same time, that higher profile could carry political risks. If Rubio ultimately pursues the presidency, his role in the Iran operation could become a central issue. Early polling suggests the military strikes are unpopular with many Americans. According to an Ipsos poll, just 29% approve of the strikes, while 43% disapprove and 26% remain unsure.

    Vance Keeps a Lower Public Profile

    In contrast, Vance — a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq — maintained a relatively low public profile in the early days of the conflict.

    More recently, however, the vice president has begun ramping up both his political and official appearances. On Friday he spoke in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he briefly addressed the Iran conflict in remarks to supporters.

    Vance has also been noticeably less active on social media platforms like X than in the past.

    A senior White House official told ABC News that the administration intentionally limited public messaging during the early stages of the operation.

    “The national security team was deliberate on letting the President’s statements and addresses to the nation stand as the operation unfolded,” the official said.

    Vance was also scheduled to participate in a town hall with CBS News that was expected to air Saturday, but the broadcast was postponed following the Iran strikes.

    Despite the quieter public posture, the vice president remains deeply engaged politically. As finance chair of the Republican National Committee, Vance continues to maintain a busy fundraising schedule, with events planned in Dallas and Austin later this month, according to fundraiser invitations obtained by ABC News.

    During a press conference Monday, Trump acknowledged that he and Vance had differed somewhat on the Iran decision.

    “I don’t think so. No, no, we get along very well on this,” Trump said. “He was, I would say philosophically a little bit different than me. I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going, but he was quite enthusiastic. But I felt it was something we had to do. I didn’t feel we had a choice. If we didn’t do it, they would have done it to us.”

    Betting Markets Reflect Uncertainty

    Prediction markets and betting sites are also reflecting the emerging uncertainty surrounding the 2028 race.

    On Kalshi, Rubio recently moved ahead of both Vance and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to become the market’s top choice to succeed Trump. Kalshi traders currently give Rubio a 19% chance of winning the 2028 election, with both Vance and Newsom at 18%.

    On Polymarket, however, Vance remains the favorite with a 21% chance, followed by Newsom at 18% and Rubio at 16%.

    Traditional betting markets still place Vance slightly ahead as well. DraftKings lists Vance at +376 to win the presidency, meaning a $100 bet would yield $376 if he wins. Newsom stands at +426, while Rubio is listed at +488.

    On BetMGM, Vance is seen as roughly twice as likely to win, with odds of +350 compared to Rubio’s +700.

    For now, the 2028 race remains wide open — but Rubio’s growing prominence inside the Trump administration has begun to complicate what once looked like a straightforward path for Vice President JD Vance.

    Turning Point is funding the largest ballot-chasing operation in U.S. history to win key battleground states. Our grassroots army is already in the field for 2026 and beyond. But they can’t stay there without your support. Donate today to help win the midterms, protect the America First movement, and keep conservatives in power.

    House Dem Vows To Continue Impeachment Efforts If Elected

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Rep. Christian Menefee, a Texas Democrat who won a January special election to succeed the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, says he plans to continue efforts to impeach President Donald Trump — a campaign long championed by veteran Rep. Al Green — while arguing he could build broader support for such a move within the Democratic Party.

    Menefee made the remarks as he faces Green in a closely watched Democratic primary runoff that has effectively become a contest between an established anti-Trump figure and a younger lawmaker promising a more strategic approach to the same goal.

    Green, who has represented Texas in Congress for two decades, has repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in recent years, framing the issue as a moral and constitutional test for lawmakers. None of those attempts have succeeded in advancing through the House.

    Menefee told Fox News Digital that if elected, he would continue pursuing impeachment but would focus on coordinating with fellow Democrats to ensure any effort has enough backing to move forward.

    “I’m the candidate in this race who has a track record of standing up for my community, of fighting back and doing so effectively in a way that gets things done,” Menefee said in an interview.

    He added that his approach would prioritize building consensus within the Democratic caucus before formally introducing impeachment articles.

    “My approach is going to be, when I file articles of impeachment, my goal is for them to either pass or to get very close to passing,” Menefee said.

    “That means collaborating with the other members of the Democratic caucus to make sure that it’s going to be effective. My approach is generally, if I start something, I am doing it because I want to ultimately take it across the finish line in a way that’s going to actually help people.”

    The debate over impeachment comes as Menefee and Green compete for the Democratic nomination in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Menefee entered Congress earlier this year after winning a special election following the death of longtime Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner in March 2025.

    The two Democrats were placed on a political collision course after Republican-led redistricting plans in Texas reshaped several congressional districts and threatened multiple Democratic-held seats. Green subsequently announced he would seek reelection in the 18th District — the same seat Menefee now holds.

    While Menefee declined to directly criticize Green’s impeachment strategy, he suggested his own approach would focus less on symbolic votes and more on building support within the party.

    Green’s most recent impeachment effort, introduced in December 2025, drew support from 140 House Democrats. However, the measure failed to advance after 23 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to table it, while another 47 voted “present.”

    Green has long made opposition to Trump a central theme of his congressional career, frequently calling for impeachment and framing the issue as a question of constitutional accountability.

    “We have to participate. This is a participatory democracy. The impeachment requires the hands and the guidance of all of us,” Green said in November 2025 while announcing his latest impeachment push.

    The congressman has also drawn national attention during presidential addresses to Congress. In 2026 he was removed from President Trump’s State of the Union address after displaying a sign that read, “Black people aren’t apes.” The year before, during the 2025 State of the Union, Green was escorted out after refusing to take his seat while waving his cane toward the president in protest.

    Despite their shared opposition to Trump, Menefee has attempted to distinguish himself by emphasizing unity within the Democratic caucus and a pragmatic legislative strategy rather than what some critics have described as Green’s more confrontational style.

    Neither candidate secured a majority in the district’s Democratic primary earlier this month, forcing the race into a runoff election scheduled for May 26. The outcome will determine which Democrat advances to represent one of Houston’s most prominent Democratic strongholds in Congress — and which approach to confronting Trump voters in the district prefer.

    FROM THE DESK OF DONALD TRUMP JR. Democrats tried to rig the census by counting millions of illegal immigrants — giving blue states more power in Congress. Now we’re making sure only American citizens are counted. But first, we need to verify our own records. CONFIRM YOUR VOTER INFORMATION NOW.
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