President Donald Trump informally polled donors about two prominent members of his administration during a recent gathering at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, asking for their views on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump asked attendees, āWhat do you think of JD Vance and Marco Rubio?ā Sources familiar with the event said donors responded with applause for both men, though Rubio reportedly received the louder reaction.
The informal exchange came shortly after Trump publicly highlighted differences between the two officials. Speaking at a press conference in Florida, the president said Vance has sometimes been āless enthusiasticā about the prospect of military action involving Iran and described him as occasionally taking a tougher stance. Trump contrasted that with Rubioās diplomatic approach, saying the secretary of state tends to handle matters with a āvelvet glove,ā while still delivering firm results.
Despite donor reactions favoring Rubio, a recent survey by the Daily Mail and JL Partners suggested Vance may wield greater influence among voters. In the poll of 1,020 registered voters, Vance led with 19 percent identifying him as the most influential figure in Trumpās inner circle, compared with 12 percent for Rubio. Both officials have dismissed speculation of a rivalry as discussion grows about potential contenders in the 2028 presidential race.
