Trump Declines Early Endorsement of JD Vance for 2028

President Donald Trump declined to formally endorse Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election during a trip to Shannon, Ireland. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump described Vance as "terrific" and "fantastic," but stated it is "too early" to make a decision, noting that the Republican Party has a "very deep bench."

This public caution follows reports of an August meeting where Trump told donors, "At the end of the day, we need to elect JD." Trump is reportedly weighing Vance against Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential successor. A Focaldata/Financial Times poll currently shows Vance leading potential Republican primary contenders with 43% support, compared to 21% for Rubio.

Vice President Vance has indicated that any decision on a formal run will follow the November congressional midterms, stating that he avoids making such decisions until absolutely necessary. Both Trump and Vance have now begun a major swing of midterm campaigning, with Trump visiting North Carolina to support Senate candidate Michael Whatley and Vance traveling to Kansas for Senator Roger Marshall.