The Washington Post reported that Donald Trump privately indicated to donors that he wishes for Vice President JD Vance to secure victory in the 2028 presidential election, suggesting a willingness to offer his backing. According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump reportedly stated to donors in the Oval Office several weeks ago, “At the end of the day, we have to elect JD.”
This reported sentiment contrasts with Trump’s public record over the past year, during which he has publicly promoted a competitive dynamic between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Trump has praised both figures and suggested they could run together, he has refrained from declaring a clear preference for a successor.
Despite these public ambiguities, reports indicate that Trump continues to consult his advisors on comparisons between Vance and Rubio. One White House official noted that as recently as last month, the president sought input from aides regarding the two politicians while traveling on Marine One. An advisor claimed that Trump has privately settled on Vance to lead the Republican Party following his departure, though this individual cautioned that it remains premature to predict a formal announcement or public endorsement.
However, six other allies expressed skepticism regarding a definitive decision, citing Trump’s history of shifting statements. Meanwhile, Vance has not publicly detailed his political timeline, with sources suggesting he intends to wait until after the birth of his fourth child. Despite the differing signals, an advisor mentioned that Trump continues to express favorable views regarding a potential pairing of Vance and Rubio, although whether Rubio would accept such a role remains unclear.
Topics: #trump #vance #support
