Private remarks to donors suggest growing support while public position remains unchanged
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reportedly told a group of private donors that he wants Vice President JD Vance to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in the 2028 election, according to a report published by The Washington Post on Thursday.
During an Oval Office meeting with donors about two weeks ago, Trump reportedly said, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” according to people familiar with the conversation. The remarks indicate a stronger level of private support for Vance than Trump has expressed publicly over the past year.
Previously, the president had encouraged friendly competition between Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, repeatedly praising both officials while declining to identify a preferred successor. He also suggested on several occasions that the two Republicans could eventually appear together on the same national ticket.
White House discussions continue
Despite the reported endorsement of Vance in private, Trump has continued consulting advisers about both potential candidates. According to the report, the president recently questioned senior staff about the strengths of Vance and Rubio during a flight aboard Marine One.
One adviser claimed Trump has privately concluded that Vance should lead the Republican Party after his presidency. However, the adviser acknowledged it remains too early to determine when Vance might officially launch a campaign or when Trump could publicly endorse him.
Meanwhile, several other Trump allies and advisers disputed the suggestion that the decision is final. They argued that the president frequently shares different opinions with different audiences and could still change his position before the Republican nomination process begins.
Vance has yet to announce plans
Vice President Vance has not publicly declared whether he intends to seek the presidency in 2028. According to people familiar with his thinking, he has not made a final decision and plans to focus on family matters following the recent birth of his fourth child on July 19.
The report also stated that Trump continues to speak highly of Rubio and has discussed the possibility of pairing him with Vance on a future Republican ticket. However, it remains unclear whether Rubio would consider serving as a vice-presidential nominee if Vance ultimately secures the party’s nomination.
