Trump privately tells donors 'we need to elect JD' for 2028; advisers split on whether he's settled on Vance over Rubio
Donald TrumpJoe GrutersJD VanceMarco RubioRepublican National CommitteeConservative Political Action ConferenceFox News Digital

Trump privately tells donors 'we need to elect JD' for 2028; advisers split on whether he's settled on Vance over Rubio

Former President Donald Trump recently expressed to donors his desire to see Vice President JD Vance elected in 2028, indicating a potential endorsement. However, advisers remain divided on whether Trump has definitively chosen Vance over Marco Rubio, who is also gaining traction in early polls.

The Washington Post+1 source6 August 2026 · 19:30 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Former President Donald Trump recently indicated a preference for Vice President JD Vance as his successor in the 2028 presidential election during a private donor meeting, stating, "At the end of the day, we need to elect JD." This remark, while significant, does not confirm a definitive choice, as some advisers suggest Trump is still weighing options between Vance and Marco Rubio, who has been gaining ground in polls.

Vance, currently the RNC's finance chair, has been instrumental in fundraising, boasting over $128 million in cash on hand. RNC Chair Joe Gruters praised Vance's ability to connect with donors, stating, "Vice President Vance has been a fundraising powerhouse for the RNC, supercharging our war chest as we head into the midterms."

Despite Vance's strong position, Rubio remains a formidable contender, having come in a close second to Vance in a recent straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The rivalry between the two is described as friendly, with both acknowledging each other's contributions to the party.

Trump has also lauded Rubio's diplomatic efforts, calling him "the greatest secretary of state in history" and highlighting his roles in various international peacemaking initiatives. As the political landscape evolves, the dynamics between Vance and Rubio will be crucial in shaping the Republican Party's future.

Key Insight
“Vance's role as RNC finance chair gives him access to over $128 million cash on hand, and RNC Chair Joe Gruters calls him a 'fundraising powerhouse.' Meanwhile, Rubio has narrowed the gap in early-state polls, and Trump has praised him as 'the greatest secretary of state in history.'”
CuriousCats studied:
1
The Washington Post
“President Donald Trump recently told donors in private that he wants to see his vice president win the 2028 presidential election — a sign that he is open to publicly backing JD Vance, even as some advisers caution that Trump has yet to settle firmly on a successor.”
The Washington Post →
2
Fox NewsFox News
“"At the end of the day, we need to elect JD," Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with donors roughly two weeks ago, a source with knowledge of the comments, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, confirmed to Fox News Digital.”
Fox News →
Ask CuriousCats
Who is JD Vance?
What position does Marco Rubio hold?
Why is fundraising important for candidates?
Are Trump’s endorsements influential in primaries?
How does Vance's cash on hand compare to Rubio's?
Get your CIA-level briefing,
in real time.
CuriousCats monitors the internet every minute for you and brings you the most personalized brief of videos, social media posts, news and more.
Download the App
If you liked this, you’ll love your CuriousCats brief.
News, videos, opinions and more — without the noise.
Get CuriousCats