(MENAFN) Elon Musk has forecasted that Vice President J.D. Vance will eventually succeed Donald Trump as US president, ushering in what he described as a “great 12-year span” of leadership encompassing Trump’s current term and successive Vance administrations.

Musk made the remarks during a private video appearance on November 22 at a reunion of his former federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team in Bastrop, Texas, according to reports. Trump launched DOGE shortly after taking office in January, promoting it as a major initiative to cut federal waste and appointing Musk as its government efficiency czar.

Relations between Musk and Trump soured in June over the president’s flagship “big, beautiful bill,” which substantially increased federal spending. Musk resigned from DOGE and left Washington, though ties have reportedly been repaired. Musk has since developed a close personal relationship with Vance, raising the possibility of supporting him if he runs in 2028.

Musk was one of the largest financial backers of Trump’s 2024 campaign, spending at least $277 million to aid Trump and other Republican candidates.

Trump is constitutionally barred from running in 2028 under the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms.

Musk has previously spoken favorably about Vance’s political prospects. In February, he called Vance the “best VP ever” and “our future president” in a public post. In April, Vance hinted at a potential 2028 bid but emphasized that he would first consult with Trump, noting that “a lot could happen in the three years ahead.”

Trump himself remarked in August that Vance is “probably favored” for the 2028 Republican nomination, while also suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio as another potential contender. Rubio has endorsed Vance, stating he would be “a great candidate” if he chooses to run.

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