'We Need To Elect JD': Trump Privately Backs Vance While Publicly Keeping 2028 GOP Race Open
News world 'We Need To Elect JD': Trump Privately Backs Vance While Publicly Keeping 2028 GOP Race Open 'We Need To Elect JD': Trump Privately
News world 'We Need To Elect JD': Trump Privately Backs Vance While Publicly Keeping 2028 GOP Race Open 'We Need To Elect JD': Trump Privately Backs Vance While Publicly Keeping 2028 GOP Race Open Published By, Last Updated: August 07, 2026, 09:21 IST An adviser with direct knowledge of the donor meeting said Trump has privately concluded that Vance should inherit leadership of the GOP. Rapid Read President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (AP photo) US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would like Vice President JD Vance to emerge as the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in 2028, according to people familiar with the matter. The remarks suggest Trump may be leaning toward backing Vance as his political successor, although advisers say he has not publicly settled on an endorsement. During an Oval Office meeting with donors around two weeks ago, Trump reportedly expressed support for his vice president’s future ambitions, The Washington Post reported. “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD," Trump said, according to two people familiar with the conversation who spoke on condition of anonymity. The comment differs from Trump’s public approach over the past year. He has frequently encouraged comparisons between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, often suggesting the two could form a future presidential ticket while avoiding any clear indication of whom he prefers to lead it. Trump’s Private Remark To Donors Despite his remarks to donors, Trump has continued to weigh the strengths of both men. One White House official said the president questioned staff members about Vance and Rubio during a Marine One flight late last month. An adviser with direct knowledge of the donor meeting said Trump has privately concluded that Vance should inherit leadership of the GOP.
However, the adviser added that it remains “too early" to determine when Vance might launch a campaign or when Trump would formally endorse him. Several other advisers and allies within Trump’s circle offered a more cautious assessment. Six individuals familiar with the president’s thinking said they do not believe Trump has definitively chosen Vance, noting that he often gives different impressions to different audiences and could still alter his plans. “Anyone assuming it’s a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn’t know the president very well," said the official familiar with Trump’s discussions about Vance and Rubio aboard Marine One. Vance Not Yet Committed To 2028 Run Vance himself has not publicly committed to a presidential run. People who have discussed the issue with him told The Washington Post earlier this year that he had not reached a final decision. According to a person close to the vice president, he planned to postpone any decision until after the birth of his fourth child, who was born on July 19. Speaking to CBS in June, Vance said he intended to discuss the matter with his wife after the midterm elections. He added that he had “no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive" of whatever choice he ultimately makes. Vance has also repeatedly emphasised that he remains focused on his current responsibilities and maintains a good relationship with Rubio. Even without formal campaign announcements, the possibility of a future Republican succession battle has already created friction among donors, activists and party figures, many of whom have begun taking sides. Party insiders say the outcome of the midterm elections could significantly influence the race. A disappointing Republican performance may encourage challengers to confront Trump’s preferred candidate more aggressively.
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