Trump denies backing Vance for 2028 presidential race

President Donald Trump on Thursday, August 6, denied a report that he had privately urged donors to back Vice President J. D. Vance in the 2028 presidential election, saying it was too early to discuss the next race.

Speaking to reporters after signing a series of executive orders, Trump said he had “heard about it a little while ago,” but rejected the claim that he was promoting Vance as his preferred successor.

“No … I think he’s great, but we’re way too early to even be thinking about that,” Trump said when asked about the story first reported by The Washington Post.

The report, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the remarks, said Trump told donors at a meeting about two weeks ago that “at the end of the day, we need to elect J.D.”

Over the past year, Trump has publicly encouraged what has been seen as a competition for his endorsement between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He has at times suggested that both men could form a strong ticket, without specifying who would lead it.

Vance has not confirmed whether he intends to run in 2028. In an interview in June, he said he would discuss the matter with his wife after the midterm elections, adding that he had “no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive” of whatever decision he makes.

The vice president has repeatedly said he remains focused on his current role and has described Rubio as a close friend.

Despite those remarks, donors and party activists have continued to speculate about a potential 2028 Republican primary contest, with both Vance and Rubio seen as leading contenders to carry the party’s banner after Trump’s term.

For his part, Rubio has indicated interest in a 2028 bid but has said he would not run against Vance, adding that the vice president would likely become the party’s nominee if he entered the race.

Under US law, Trump’s second term is set to end in January 2029. The 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted in 1951, limits presidents to two terms. Nevertheless, Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of seeking a third term.

By Tamilla Hasanova