Trump says it’s ‘too early’ to back Vance for 2028

During a recent interview in Shannon, Ireland, US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about endorsing Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential campaign, asserting that it was too early to make such a commitment. The president, speaking before boarding Air Force One, described Vance as "terrific" and highlighted the presence of "many terrific people" within the party, emphasizing that the GOP boasts a "very deep bench."

When asked to name a potential competitor against Vance, Trump stated, "You know, I just think they're all very good, and JD's fantastic, and he did a very good job." In August, The Washington Post reported that during a private donor meeting, Trump directly addressed the possibility of Vance running, telling attendees, "At the end of the day, we need to elect JD."

Although these private remarks indicated a willingness to back Vance, Trump's advisers noted at the time that the president had not yet decided on a successor. Multiple party insiders clarified that assumptions about Vance inheriting the MAGA movement remain premature, as Trump frequently debates various options and considers the outcomes of upcoming congressional midterms.

Vance, for his part, has maintained flexibility regarding his timeline for a formal run, stating that decisions would be made following the November midterms. In the meantime, Marco Rubio has refrained from making direct comments about his own 2028 aspirations, leaving open the possibility of a unified ticket between Trump and Vance as the Republican Party navigates its future.