President Donald Trump on Thursday denied reports that he has privately told major donors they should rally behind Vice President JD Vance as the Republican Party’s 2028 presidential nominee, insisting it is far too early to make such a decision.

The denial came just hours after The Washington Post reported that Trump recently told donors during a private Oval Office meeting, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” signaling that he was leaning toward backing Vance as his political successor. According to the report, Trump’s remarks represented his clearest private endorsement yet of the vice president, although advisers cautioned that the president often keeps his options open and has not made any final decision.

Asked about the report by reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump quickly dismissed it.

“No, no!” Trump responded when asked whether he had told donors they should support Vance’s eventual presidential campaign.

Trump added that while he thinks highly of his vice president, any discussion about endorsing a 2028 candidate is premature because his administration remains focused on governing rather than politics.

“It’s way too early,” Trump said, emphasizing that he is concentrating on his current agenda rather than the next presidential election.

Speculation over Trump’s preferred successor has intensified in recent months, with both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio frequently mentioned as potential Republican frontrunners. Trump has repeatedly praised both men publicly while declining to name a favorite, fueling ongoing debate within Republican circles over who will ultimately carry the America First banner after his presidency.

The Washington Post report cited unnamed sources who claimed Trump privately told donors, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” suggesting he may be warming to a future endorsement of Vance. However, several advisers quoted in the report cautioned that Trump has a long history of telling different audiences different things and is unlikely to formally endorse anyone years before the next presidential election.

Vance has consistently downplayed talk of a 2028 campaign, saying his immediate focus remains serving as vice president and helping Republicans succeed in the 2026 midterm elections. He has previously indicated that any decision about seeking the presidency would come only after discussions with his family and President Trump.

Trump’s latest comments appear to contradict the report that he privately urged donors to back Vance, leaving open the question of whom he ultimately intends to support when the Republican nomination battle eventually begins. For now, the president is publicly maintaining that any conversation about 2028 is premature.

{Matzav.com}