President Donald Trump has reportedly begun privately signaling that Vice President JD Vance is his preferred choice to carry the Republican banner in 2028, telling supporters during a recent White House meeting that Vance should ultimately succeed him.

According to a Washington Post report published Thursday, Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office gathering with donors about two weeks ago.

“At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” Trump reportedly told those in attendance, a comment viewed as his clearest indication yet that he favors Vance as the Republican Party’s next presidential nominee.

The reported statement represents a notable shift from Trump’s public comments over the past year. Although he has frequently praised both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he has consistently avoided naming either man as his preferred successor.

Despite Trump’s reported private confidence in Vance, advisers told The Washington Post that the President is unlikely to issue a formal endorsement anytime soon. They noted that Trump typically prefers to keep his political options open and may wish to avoid appearing to be a lame-duck president.

For his part, Vance has repeatedly insisted that his current focus is serving as vice president and has not committed to a presidential campaign in 2028.

In an interview with CBS News in June, Vance said he expects to discuss the matter with his family after the 2026 midterm elections and added that he believes Trump will support whatever decision he ultimately makes.

According to The Washington Post, Trump has been particularly pleased with Vance’s performance inside the administration, citing his involvement in negotiating a June ceasefire proposal with Iran, leading efforts to combat fraud in federal benefits programs, and forcefully defending the administration during numerous media appearances.

Rubio, meanwhile, continues to enjoy Trump’s respect, but his dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser have reportedly left little opportunity to focus on future presidential ambitions.

The report also said Trump has floated the possibility of a Vance-Rubio Republican ticket, although it remains uncertain whether Rubio would have any interest in serving as vice president.

Vance’s emergence as the apparent frontrunner has already generated criticism from some longtime conservative voices.

Axios reported earlier this week that Wall Street Journal opinion writers have questioned Vance’s leadership style, his foreign policy views, and his close ties to commentator Tucker Carlson, highlighting the continuing divide between the Republican Party’s traditional establishment and its America First wing.

Supporters of the vice president argue that such criticism only enhances his appeal among Republican grassroots voters.

Although Trump’s reported comments could significantly influence the 2028 Republican primary, recent polling indicates the race remains competitive.

An Emerson College survey cited by Newsmax found Vance leading the prospective Republican field with 39% support, while Rubio trailed closely at 38%, suggesting the contest remains wide open despite Vance’s apparent advantage.

{Matzav.com}