Elon Musk has outlined his vision for America’s political future, forecasting what he described as a “significant 12-year period” for the country. Speaking via video at a private gathering of current and former DOGE members late last month, the billionaire suggested that Donald Trump’s second term—set to conclude in 2028—would be followed by two consecutive presidential terms led by Vice President JD Vance, according to Politico.
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Vance is widely viewed as the early frontrunner for the Republican nomination in 2028, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly telling associates that the vice president is the favourite to secure the ticket. Recent polling, however, shows Vance’s initial 20-point advantage over the runner-up—Donald Trump Jr.—is already narrowing.
Complicating matters further is Trump himself, who has repeatedly hinted that he might seek a third presidential term, despite the clear restrictions of the 22nd Amendment. Speaking to reporters in October, the president said he “would love to do it,” adding, with characteristic ambiguity: “Am I ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me.”
Journalist and author Jonathan Karl, who has chronicled Trump’s political career extensively, believes these remarks should not be taken at face value. He argues that both Trump and his former strategist Steve Bannon—who has openly supported the notion of a third term—are deliberately “trolling” Vance. Appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe over Thanksgiving, Karl stated that Bannon, in particular, is “not a big JD Vance fan” and is stirring the pot to unsettle the vice president.
Vance himself has been cautious when addressing speculation about his own presidential ambitions. Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, he stressed that his current focus remained on his responsibilities as vice president, though he conceded that once the 2026 midterms are concluded, he would sit down with President Trump to discuss the future.
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Musk’s comments come at the end of a turbulent year in his relationship with the president. After becoming Trump’s single largest donor during the previous election cycle, the Tesla chief was appointed senior adviser to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency—a short-lived venture that dismantled several federal agencies and reportedly wasted more than $21.7 billion before Musk abruptly exited the White House in May.
Following his departure, Musk appeared to distance himself from Trump, joining conservative voices urging the president to release documents connected to the Epstein case and pushing back when Trump dismissed the matter as fabricated. Yet in recent months the billionaire has sought to repair the relationship, making joint appearances with Trump and posting complimentary messages about him on X.
At a Saudi investment forum held at the Kennedy Center last month, Trump publicly chided Musk, telling attendees: “You are so lucky I am with you, Elon. Has he ever thanked me properly?” Musk swiftly responded with a message of gratitude on X, writing: “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.”
