Overview
- Multiple outlets report that during a private Oval Office meeting President Trump told GOP donors “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” a remark attributed to two people by The Washington Post.
- Trump publicly denied making an endorsement when asked by reporters, saying it is “way too early” to be talking about a 2028 pick.
- Vice President JD Vance has not launched a 2028 campaign and has said he will discuss his political future with his wife after the 2026 midterm elections; Vance and his wife also welcomed a newborn in July.
- Trump continues to praise both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and has floated a Vance‑Rubio ticket, but advisers say Rubio may not accept a vice-presidential role and the president routinely asks different audiences for their views.
- Multiple advisers and outlets note the matter remains fluid, with senior aides saying Trump is likely to delay any formal endorsement to preserve leverage and that midterm results, fundraising and internal politics will shape who emerges as the GOP front-runner.