J.D. Vance says no ‘conflict’ with possible White House rival Rubio

Vice-President J.D. Vance denies any conflict with Marco Rubio amid speculation about the 2028 presidential race.

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance said on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) there was “no conflict” between him and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who some speculate will be a front-runner for President in the 2028 elections.

“I think it’s so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn’t any conflict,” Mr. Vance said in an interview with conservative broadcaster Fox News.

Though Donald Trump is only a year into his term as President, White House campaigns are often launched far in advance of the polls — with potential candidates the subject of endless speculation ahead of declaring their intentions.

Mr. Trump was asked on Monday (February 16, 2026) about Mr. Rubio and Mr. Vance, saying, “I don’t have to worry” about who was going to replace him.

“I’ve got three years to go,” Mr. Trump said. “They’re both fantastic.”

Another time-honoured tradition in American politics is presidential hopefuls waving away speculation that they have the intention to eventually run for the country’s highest office.