In a virtual speech to 150 former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) members in Bastrop, Texas, on November 22, 2025, Elon Musk envisioned a “great 12-year span” starting with Donald Trump’s second term and extending through two terms for VP JD Vance.
Musk, who was speaking from a secret location due to assassination fears, highlighted his recently mended ties with Trump after past disagreements, including the failed “America Party.” Trump’s recent nods to a 2028 Vance-led ticket align with Musk’s outlook, signaling GOP unity.
While the former DOGE head’s remarks were not recorded, his sentiments aligned with those of the Trump administration. Speaking clearly, JD Vance said, “Well, look, the president said very clearly … Elon said some very unacceptable things. I think the president was rightfully very frustrated about that.”
Building on this point, the VP stated, “My words are very simple. I think that it was wrong, but I also think that it’s in the best interest of the whole country for one of the country’s greatest entrepreneurs to also be supportive of the president, and our agenda,” adding,“I suspect that Elon Musk very much wants to return to President Donald Trump’s team.”
Speaking about a possible play for 2028, the President signaled that a Vance-Rubio ticket may be the next move. “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people, as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had,” he said.
Building on this point, he noted his administration’s successes in foreign policy. “I mean, I just solved eight wars, and a ninth is coming, I believe Russia–Ukraine will happen,” Trump vowed, before turning to other issues.
Speaking about an asian conflict, he continued, “You know, we just left it. When you look at the treaty we just did, that was a war that was thousands of people were already shot at the border. And when you look at what we just did it was pretty amazing. We got a lot of good credit.”
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Contextualizing his remarks, the president offered thanks to other world leaders, saying, “And I really have to thank Malaysia for that, because the Prime Minister and everybody really helped get the two countries together.”
Concluding his comments, Trump noted, “We have, JD, obviously, the vice president is great. Marco is great… I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do, I believe that,” adding, “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever.”
Making oblique comments at another event, Trump made it clear that the decision was not fianal yet. First, demolishing the Democrats, he declared, “The problem with [Democrats] is they have really bad policy, and I’m not going to say what it is, because I don’t want them to change it necessarily, because I want to run against… It’s not going to be me, it’s going to be somebody that’s… probably sitting at this table.”
Turning to his cabinet, he said, “Could be a couple of people sitting at this table. Could be a couple of people running together, sitting at this table, but I want them to win, because we’ve done a great job for this country, and I want that to be carried forward.”