At the Munich Security Conference, prominent Democratic figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced their criticisms of former President Donald Trump, potentially positioning themselves for a 2028 presidential run. Fox News contributor Hugh Hewitt noted that their appearances could serve as preliminary tests for capturing the Democratic nomination. He suggested that Ocasio-Cortez is a likely frontrunner for the party's nomination in the next election cycle.

Hewitt focused on the proposals made by Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom, particularly regarding taxation on the wealthy, labeling their economic strategies as flawed. Ocasio-Cortez indicated she would push for a wealth tax if she pursued the presidency, which sparked a robust debate about the implications of such policies on economic growth and equity. The criticisms from Hewitt reflect a broader concern within conservative circles regarding the fiscal approach of potential Democratic leaders.

The discussions at the Munich conference signal the beginning of a competitive landscape for the upcoming presidential election cycle, where economic policies and leadership qualifications will be hotly contested. As figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom take the international stage, their messages will likely resonate with their base but may face significant opposition from conservatives questioning the practicality of their proposals. The nature of these early speculations hints at the strategies and narratives that will dominate the political discourse leading up to 2028.