After a Daily Mail report citing “well-placed” sources claimed Steve Bannon was preparing for a 2028 presidential run, the former chief strategist to Donald Trump shut down the speculation with a short reply.
“Trump 2028,” Bannon said when asked about the report suggesting he was seeking political advice for a potential bid. The article also alleged Bannon had privately criticized Vice President JD Vance, the leading GOP contender for 2028, saying he did not believe Vance was tough enough for the role.
This week, President Trump said Vance would most likely be his successor, adding that Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would make a strong ticket, though it was “too early” to discuss the matter. Rubio said during an interview with Lara Trump, “I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that.”
Bannon’s brief response was published by The National Pulse, which criticized the Daily Mail for running what it called a “thinly sourced story” aimed at creating division within the Republican Party.
In March, Bannon told Politico, “All I do is back President Trump and try to move the populist agenda and the America First agenda. I don’t think like a politician,” calling the idea of him running for president “absurd.” In April, he told News Nation there were “many different alternatives” for Trump to bypass constitutional term limits, adding in another interview that “we have a team” exploring those possibilities.
Three days after Trump’s 2025 inauguration, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a constitutional amendment to allow the president to serve a third term. The proposal is currently in the House Judiciary Committee with no further action taken.
Speculation over Trump’s future has been fueled by merchandise in the official Trump Store, including a “TRUMP 2028” hat selling for $50.
