Trump privately urges donors to back JD Vance for 2028

President Donald Trump has privately urged donors to support Vice President J.D. Vance as his preferred successor in the 2028 presidential election, according to a report citing individuals familiar with the matter. The president made the comments in a closed-door Oval Office meeting with donors approximately two weeks ago, stating, "At the end of the day, we need to elect JD." Trump has not made any public endorsement for the 2028 race.

The private remarks, reported on August 6, contrast with Trump's public posture of fostering what has been described as a competitive dynamic between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In public statements, Trump has praised both men extensively, at times suggesting they could form a formidable ticket together. As recently as June, Trump called a potential Vance-Rubio ticket "very unbeatable," and he has lauded Rubio's diplomatic work, once declaring he would go down as "the greatest secretary of state in history."

Despite the reported private push for Vance, advisers and officials indicate the president's position is not finalized. A White House official cautioned that anyone assuming Vance's nomination is assured is "just getting way...