President Donald Trump has privately raised doubts about whether Vice President JD Vance can succeed him as the leader of the Republican Party, according to a New York Times report published today as Republicans increasingly look toward 2028.

Trump has reportedly asked advisers and allies whether Vance has what it takes to “go all the way,” and has sometimes answered that question himself by saying he is not sure. The report said Trump has criticized Vance over his political experience, vacation time, personal style and initial opposition to military action against Iran.

According to the report, Trump repeatedly brought up Vance’s Iran position, including in front of the vice president himself. “I’m more of a man of peace than you, but I had to do it,” Trump reportedly told him. Trump also reportedly questioned Vance’s decision to lead talks in Pakistan, which did not produce the results the White House had hoped for.

Despite the criticism, the relationship between the two remains strong. Trump continues to include Vance in major decisions, gives him a public role in advancing the Republican agenda and recently praised him for his work on fighting corruption. White House officials, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, have reportedly urged Vance to reduce his online fights with critics.

The report also points to Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a major rival in the post-Trump succession fight. Trump has reportedly asked guests, “JD or Marco?” and recently floated the idea of a Vance-Rubio “dream team,” while stopping short of endorsing either man.

Vance remains one of the clearest heirs to Trump’s movement, but Rubio’s rise has made the 2028 question more complicated. Recent polling showed Rubio nearly tied with Vance among Republican voters, making Trump’s private doubts politically significant.