Trump Signals a Potential Heir: Backs J.D. Vance as a Future Successor

U.S. media outlets reported Thursday that President Donald Trump told donors during a conversation in the Oval Office at the White House that “we have to pick J.D.,” referring to his current vice president, J.D. Vance.

The remark could signal Trump’s support for his vice president ahead of the 2028 presidential election. 

It is worth noting that, until now, the American president had avoided publicly endorsing any particular person within the party. In an offhand comment several months ago, Trump said he would not rule out backing a joint Vance-Marco Rubio ticket, even suggesting that the two could run together.

U.S. commentators noted that the vice president has not yet made a final decision on whether to run for president in 2028, and that he will make the decision with his wife only after the 2026 midterm elections, preferring for now to focus on his current role.

Meanwhile, although the vice president is considered the leading candidate representing the MAGA movement’s agenda, he has faced criticism from more traditional wings of the Republican Party. Internal polls often show support for Rubio. 

Support for Rubio is especially evident among conservative, non-extremist Republican circles that support Israel. These factions within the Republican Party argue that Vance failed in managing negotiations with Iran and has also voiced what they see as unwelcome criticism of Israel.