Trump tells donors to back Vance for 2028 election: Report

US President Donald Trump told donors in an Oval Office meeting about two weeks ago that “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” signaling his preference for Vice President JD Vance to succeed him in the 2028 presidential election, The Washington Post reported Thursday. The private remarks differ from Trump’s public stance over the past year, during which he encouraged competition between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio while praising both men and suggesting they could run together, according to the newspaper.

Advisers divided on Trump's final decision

Despite expressing support for Vance to donors, Trump has continued asking advisers to compare the two potential candidates, with one White House official saying he questioned staff about Vance and Rubio during a Marine One flight late last month. One adviser said the president has privately decided Vance should lead the Republican Party after him, though it remains “too early” to determine when Vance will announce his candidacy or when Trump will publicly endorse him.

Uncertainty remains over 2028 ticket

Six other Trump allies said they are not convinced the president has settled on Vance, noting that he often tells different people different things 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 said, adding that Trump would still like Rubio on a joint ticket with Vance. Vance has not announced his plans and reportedly planned to wait until after the birth of his fourth child on July 19, while it remains unclear whether the secretary of state would accept the role of running mate.