Trump Tells Donors He Wants JD Vance to Win 2028, Keeping Rubio in the Mix

WASHINGTON, Aug 6: US President Donald Trump has privately told donors that he wants Vice President JD Vance to win the 2028 presidential election, signaling he may eventually endorse him as his preferred Republican successor, according to a report by The Washington Post.

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 remarks.

The reported comments mark a shift from Trump's public position over the past year, during which he has encouraged friendly competition between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump has repeatedly praised both men, suggested they could potentially run together, and has declined to publicly identify a preferred successor.

Despite the private remarks, Trump has continued asking advisers to compare Vance and Rubio. According to the report, the president questioned White House staff about the two during a Marine One flight late last month.

One adviser told the newspaper that Trump has privately concluded Vance should lead the Republican Party after him, although it remains too early to determine when Vance might launch a presidential campaign or when Trump would publicly endorse him.

However, several other Trump allies and advisers cautioned against assuming the decision is final. Six people familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Trump often expresses different views to different audiences and could still change his mind.

"Anyone assuming it's a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn't know the president very well," one official was quoted as saying.

Vance has not announced whether he intends to run for president in 2028. According to people familiar with his thinking, he has yet to make a final decision, with one person close to him saying he planned to wait until after the birth of his fourth child, who was born on July 19.

The report also said Trump continues to speak highly of Rubio and would like to see him on a joint Republican ticket with Vance, although it remains unclear whether the secretary of state would accept the role of vice-presidential running mate.