Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel LLC and a major GOP donor, revealed at the Allen & Company conference that he intends to support Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Vice President JD Vance if both run for president in 2028.This decision stems from Griffin's previous backing of Rubio's 2016 presidential bid, despite its failure.Griffin, who contributed over $100 million to Republicans in 2024, has called for the party to move on from Donald Trump.

His comments highlight the growing divide within the GOP between establishment figures like Griffin, who favor Rubio, and anti-establishment factions that prefer Vance due to his stance on foreign policy.

The report notes that this split reflects broader tensions within the party as Republicans grapple with the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats are poised to retake the House of Representatives.Polls suggest Democrats may also have a path to reclaiming the Senate, though their chances are considered longer.Griffin's remarks underscore the strategic importance of donor influence in shaping the party's future leadership and policy direction.