The president privately signaled support for Vice President JD Vance as the Republican Party’s 2028 standard-bearer, though advisers say a formal endorsement is unlikely in the near term.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump reportedly told a group of donors that Vice President JD Vance should succeed him in the White House, offering his clearest private indication yet of whom he may favor for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
During an Oval Office meeting roughly two weeks ago, Trump told supporters, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” The Washington Post reported Thursday.
The remarks marked a departure from Trump’s public approach over the past year, when he repeatedly praised both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio while declining to designate a preferred political heir.
Although Trump has privately expressed confidence in Vance, advisers cautioned that the president is known for preserving flexibility and is unlikely to issue an official endorsement soon. They said doing so could accelerate perceptions that Trump is entering a lame-duck phase of his presidency.
Vance has maintained that he is focused on his current responsibilities and has not decided whether to run for president in 2028.
He told CBS News in June that he expects to discuss the possibility with his family after the 2026 midterm elections. Vance also said he believes Trump would support whatever decision he reaches.
According to the Post, Trump has been pleased with Vance’s work inside the administration, including his involvement in negotiating a June ceasefire proposal with Iran, directing efforts to combat fraud in federal benefit programs and defending the administration during frequent media appearances.
Rubio also remains highly regarded within the administration. His dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser, however, leave him with less time to cultivate a potential presidential campaign.
Trump has reportedly discussed the possibility of a Vance-Rubio ticket, though it is unclear whether Rubio would be willing to accept the vice presidential position.
Vance’s emergence as a possible successor has already generated opposition among some establishment conservatives.
Axios reported Sunday that Wall Street Journal opinion writers had criticized Vance over his governing style, foreign policy views and close relationship with commentator Tucker Carlson.
The criticism reflects a continuing divide between the Republican Party’s pre-Trump establishment and its America First wing. Vance’s supporters argue that resistance from establishment figures is likely to improve his standing among grassroots Republican voters rather than weaken it.
Trump’s reported comments could influence the early shape of the 2028 contest, but polling indicates Vance has not established a commanding lead.
An Emerson College survey cited by Newsmax found Vance receiving 39% support among Republican voters, compared with 38% for Rubio.
The results suggest that Vance may hold an advantage within the administration and among Trump allies, but the race to succeed Trump remains closely contested.
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