The tech mogul has reportedly stated that J.D. Vance will succeed Donald Trump in the White House
According to Politico, Elon Musk has forecasted that Vice President J.D. Vance will take over from Donald Trump as US president, suggesting the nation is headed for a “great 12-year span” of leadership, encompassing Trump’s present term and subsequent terms held by Vance.
The outlet reported on Tuesday that Musk delivered these comments on November 22 during a private video call, addressing a reunion of his former federal cost-cutting team, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in Bastrop, Texas, citing individuals familiar with the closed-door gathering.
Trump established DOGE shortly after assuming office in January, promoting it as a broad endeavor to reduce federal waste and appointing Musk as its government efficiency head.
Musk’s association with Trump became strained in June concerning the president’s major “big, beautiful bill,” which led to a considerable increase in federal spending. Amid this disagreement, the Tesla CEO resigned from his role leading DOGE and departed Washington. While their relations have since improved, the entrepreneur is said to have formed a strong personal connection with Vice President Vance this year.
The outlet highlighted that, despite Musk’s disengagement from political activities, the tech billionaire—along with his substantial political contributions—could prove to be a significant asset for Vance should he pursue a presidential bid in 2028 and Musk chooses to re-enter the political arena. Musk ranked among the primary financial supporters of Trump’s 2024 campaign, having allocated approximately $277 million to back him and other Republican hopefuls.
Trump himself would be constitutionally prevented from seeking office in 2028, as the 22nd Amendment restricts a president to two elected terms.
This is not Musk’s initial mention of Vance’s political prospects. In February, the billionaire publicly stated his expectation that Vance would eventually become US president, referring to him as the “best VP ever” and “our future president” in a post on X.
In April, Vance alluded to a potential presidential bid in 2028, but emphasized that he would first confer with Trump, also mentioning that significant developments could occur in the upcoming three years.
Trump himself indicated in August that Vance is, at present, “probably favored” for the 2028 Republican nomination. The president has additionally put forward Secretary of State Marco Rubio as another potential successor. Rubio, for his part, has commented that Vance would be “a great candidate” if he decides to run.