US President Donald Trump told financial contributors during a private gathering that he desires Vice President JD Vance to secure the presidency in 2028, hinting at a potential public endorsement despite warnings from top aides that no permanent heir apparent has been designated, according to a report published Thursday by The Washington Post.
“At the end of the day, we need to elect JD," Trump remarked to donors during an Oval Office discussion approximately two weeks ago, two anonymous sources revealed to The Washington Post.
The confidential expression stands in contrast to Trump's public commentary over the past year, in which he actively encouraged a public contest for his favor between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He has publicly floated the idea of the pair sharing a presidential ticket while declining to specify a preferred leader.
Even while boosting his vice president behind closed doors, Trump has continued soliciting opinions regarding a Vance versus Rubio matchup, according to The Washington Post. One White House official noted that the president questioned staff members about the relative political merits of both figures during a Marine One flight late last month.
An advisor possessing direct knowledge of Trump's exchange with donors stated the president has privately concluded that Vance represents the future of the Republican Party, though adding it remains “too early" to establish when Vance will officially launch a campaign or when Trump might issue an endorsement.
Conversely, six additional Trump allies and advisors expressed skepticism that a definitive decision has been reached, emphasizing that the president frequently offers varying perspectives to different audiences. Presidential aides widely anticipate Trump will delay issuing an explicit endorsement to prevent diluting his political leverage.
Vance has refrained from publicly declaring his political intentions. Individuals who discussed the topic with him indicated he had deferred a decision until after the birth of his fourth child, who arrived July 19.
During a June interview with CBS, Vance stated he planned to consult with his wife following the midterm elections, while expressing “no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive" of his eventual decision. Vance has maintained that his focus remains on his present duties and noted he maintains a close friendship with Rubio.
While Trump advisors note the president still envisions a joint Vance-Rubio ticket, it remains uncertain whether Rubio would accept a vice-presidential slot. A spokesperson for Rubio declined to comment.
Addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday regarding The Washington Post report, Trump dismissed claims of an official endorsement:
"No. I heard about it a little while ago. I think [Vance] is great, but we're way too early to even be thinking about that."