Trump is already eyeing MAGA successor to run in 2028: report

Donald Trump is already looking for his successor to take forward the MAGA agenda after he’s gone, a senator suggested in an interview with Politico.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) told the news outlet that Trump’s search for a 2024 vice presidential pick is doubling as a hunt for the person to take the torch from Trump and run as the Republican nominee in 2028.

"This person will not only be one heartbeat away from the presidency during President Trump's next term, but will likely be our nominee in '28 and serve as president for the next eight years following President Trump's term,” Daines said.

If Trump wins the election in November, he is bound by the Constitution to serve only four years — although his allies have suggested the 22nd Amendment be repealed, allowing him to stay in power.

If he does return to the White House and the law stands, meaning he’s replaced in 2028, he wants somebody who will continue his momentum, Daines said.

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His last vice president, Mike Pence, is very much out of favor over his refusal to back attempts to overturn the 2020 election result — and his recent announcement that he wouldn’t endorse Trump for 2024.

Political scientist Thomas Gift told Newsweek Trump’s pick this time would be critically important to the MAGA movement.

"Given that 15 vice presidents have gone on to become president in U.S. history, every presidential candidate has to weigh the possibility that they're selecting an heir apparent when choosing a VP,” he said.

"At the same time, electoral considerations dwarf everything else. Trump will want a running mate who can continue his legacy. But most of all, he will want someone who helps him to win now."

Trump is rumored to have drawn up a shortlist that includes Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH).