Reports suggest Trump ally Steve Bannon is eyeing a 2028 presidential bid, sparking tensions with JD Vance and potentially shaking up the MAGA political landscape.
Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist and host of the 'War Room', is quietly exploring a potential bid for the U.S. presidency in 2028. Sources told Daily Mail that the 71-year-old has begun seeking political advice as he considers the move.
His possible rival? Vice President JD Vance, a Trump-endorsed favorite widely seen as the natural successor to the former president.
A primary contest between Bannon and Vance could pit the original architect of the MAGA movement against its current political standard-bearer.
“Love him…but Vance is not tough enough to run in 2028,” one insider quoted Bannon as saying. Another source claimed, 'He created his image', crediting Bannon with shaping Vance’s political identity and pushing him toward the vice presidency.
Bannon declined to comment, and Vance’s office did not respond.
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Trump has recently signaled that Vance is his preferred successor. At February’s CPAC conference, Vance secured 61% support in a 2028 straw poll, while Bannon placed second with 12%.
Though Bannon has called the idea of running 'too absurd', he has not shut the door completely. In March, he told Politico: “I don’t think like a politician…all I do is back President Trump and try to move the populist agenda and the America First agenda.”
A Republican consultant said Bannon’s plans are still 'in the contemplative stage', though his interest in running is longstanding.
Bannon remains a key voice in MAGA circles through his 'War Room' show and continues to stir debate by floating the idea that it is unconstitutional that Trump could serve a third term. Trump recently stated he will 'in all probability' not seek one, despite being tempted.
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Bannon also sits at the center of another high-profile story: the Jeffrey Epstein files. He claims to have about 15 hours of videotaped interviews with Epstein from 2019, originally intended for a documentary.
A Republican insider speculated that Bannon could 'deploy them for leverage' in a 2028 campaign if he chooses to run.
