WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has, according to The Washington Post, privately indicated for the first time who he wants as his successor for the 2028 presidential election. According to sources familiar with the discussions, during a meeting with major donors in the Oval Office approximately two weeks ago, he stated: "Ultimately, we need to elect J.D."
With this statement, Trump was understood to be referring to current US Vice President J.D. Vance, who has long been considered one of the most prominent figures in the Republican Party and one of the most likely candidates for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
According to The Washington Post, Trump's words represent a sharp contrast to his public rhetoric to date. Over the past year, he repeatedly avoided giving a direct answer to the question of who he would like to see as his successor. Instead, he publicly created the impression of a rivalry between Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, frequently praising both politicians while refusing to indicate which he preferred.
Sources cited by the American newspaper also caution, however, that the situation remains open. According to them, it is still too early to predict when J.D. Vance might officially announce his presidential candidacy or when Donald Trump might publicly declare his support. Presidential advisers also acknowledge that Trump may change his position in the coming months.
J.D. Vance is among Trump's closest allies and since taking office as Vice President has strengthened his influence not only within the administration but also among Republican voters. His political positions on economics, immigration, and foreign policy are in many respects aligned with the current president's agenda, making him one of the frontrunners in any potential Republican race for the White House.
Nevertheless, no official statement has yet been released by the White House or by J.D. Vance himself that would confirm the information published by The Washington Post. Given that the 2028 presidential election is still relatively far off, the question of succession within the Republican Party can be expected to continue evolving in the years ahead.
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