‘Can’t Afford to Wait’: Republicans Already Eyeing Post-Trump Landscape

While some MAGA allies like Steve Bannon float fringe ideas about a potential third term for Donald Trump—despite the Constitution’s clear two-term limit—others in the GOP are turning their focus toward life after Trump and the 2028 election.

In a July 7 report, Axios’ Alex Isenstadt outlines how Republican figures are already laying the groundwork for their post-Trump future. Former RNC member Henry Barbour noted, “Everyone knows Trump has one term left, and I would say it’s a wide-open opportunity. These things start earlier and earlier.”

Rising GOP figures in the 2028 conversation include:

Vice President JD Vance
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is also mentioned, though his refusal to back Trump’s 2020 election claims may hinder his chances with the MAGA base.

South Carolina Republican strategist Rob Godfrey told Axios, “Building infrastructure and making friends—among activists, operatives and donors—is tedious work. It’s never too early to start.”

Isenstadt notes that many 2028 hopefuls are expected to hit the campaign trail in 2026 to support midterm candidates, hoping to build alliances and gain political capital. While some are eyeing the White House, others may be angling for a vice presidential nod or cabinet post in 2029.

But GOP strategists warn: there’s a risk in moving too early. Many Republican voters remain laser-focused on Trump’s agenda and may view early presidential maneuvering as disloyal or self-serving.

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