Vance denies rivalry with Rubio amid 2028 speculation: ‘Working together’

Published February 17, 2026 8:20pm ET



Vice President JD Vance denied on Tuesday that there is tension between himself and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as both men are eyed as possible 2028 presidential rivals.

Vance described Rubio as “my closest friend” in the Trump administration, and said he was focused on filling out the remainder of his vice presidential term, as opposed to crafting a 2028 campaign

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