During a closed-door meeting, Trump reportedly designated his successor for 2028.

During a meeting with donors in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump reportedly revealed who he would like to see succeed him in 2028, according to the Washington Post. The information has since been confirmed by Fox News.

Two weeks ago, a closed-door meeting was held at the White House. At that meeting, according to several well-informed sources, Donald Trump reportedly said: “We have to choose JD (Vance, the vice president)” to succeed him in 2028.

Trump's advisors clarify that this statement does not mean the president has definitively decided who he favors. According to them, he speaks differently depending on his audience and could still change his mind.

Power struggle

Donald Trump has not yet spoken publicly on this subject. Last year, he appeared to fuel the rivalry between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also stated that they would make a strong team, without specifying which of the two he thought should become president.

Vance has not yet announced whether he will run in the next presidential election. He told CBS News that he would only discuss it with his wife after the midterm elections in November.

Supports

Marco Rubio has not yet taken a position. However, he has already stated that he would support Vance if the latter were to announce his candidacy for the presidency.

The two men describe themselves as friends, but Vance is more aligned with the MAGA movement, which propelled Trump to power in the 2024 election but now appears increasingly divided. Marco Rubio, for his part, can count on the support of more traditional Republicans.

The polls are being closely scrutinized.

In opinion polls, Vance remains clearly in the lead, but Marco Rubio has nonetheless narrowed the gap. As things stand, both Republicans would lose to the 2024 runner-up, Kamala Harris. However, these national polls cannot predict the winner, as the Electoral College system, decisive in the presidential election, can significantly alter the outcome.

Moreover, it doesn't seem that Donald Trump is definitively ready to step down in 2028. He enjoys suspense and doesn't want to cede the spotlight to a potential successor just yet. He continues to toy with the idea of a third term, even though it's not permitted by the Constitution and his entourage claims he isn't seriously considering it.