US President Donald Trump told donors at a private meeting that “we need to elect JD,” weighing in on Vice President JD Vance as the Republican Party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 election, according to The Washington Post.The remarks were reportedly made during a meeting at the White House around two weeks ago.“At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” Trump said, according to two people with knowledge of the comments who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter.However, the report also noted that Trump’s remark does not mean he has settled on a preferred candidate, as he continues to weigh both Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio.“Anyone assuming it’s a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn’t know the president very well,” an official was quoted as saying.As a two-term president, Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking another term. However, he has repeatedly spoken about “running” for a third term.
How midterms hold the key
Vance, meanwhile, has not confirmed his plans. People who have spoken to him about the matter told The Washington Post earlier this year that he had not yet made a decision. One person close to him said the vice president would put off any decision until after the birth of his fourth child, who was born on July 19.In June, Vance told CBS News that he would discuss the matter with his wife Usha after the midterm elections but had “no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive” of whatever decision he makes. He has repeatedly maintained that he is focused on his current role and is “good friends” with Rubio.The report added that the prospect of a succession battle has already created tensions within the Republican Party, with donors, activists and party figures lining up for or against Vance.It noted that much depends on the midterm elections. A poor Republican performance could encourage challengers to contest Trump’s preferred candidate and criticise his administration. Both Vance and Rubio could face intraparty attacks that Republicans would be unlikely to direct at Trump himself.
Where Rubio stands
According to The Washington Post, Rubio had the backing of many pre-Trump Republican donors during the 2024 vice-presidential selection process, while Vance drew support from the younger MAGA coalition that helped return Trump to power in 2024. As vice president, Vance has also cultivated ties with party donors to raise funds for the GOP.The report also noted that Rubio avoids discussing the 2028 race and has recently reduced his media appearances to avoid questions about it, according to a person close to him. However, his media team briefly fuelled speculation earlier this year by releasing a widely shared video of him delivering a campaign-style monologue during a press briefing.In internal conversations, Rubio has indicated that he intends to serve out his term, the person added. He does not have a campaign organisation in place.The report also quoted a Trump adviser as saying that the president would like to see Vance-Rubio joint ticket and regularly praises the secretary of state. However, it remains unclear whether Rubio would be willing to serve as Vance’s running mate.(With ANI inputs)
