Donald Trump refuses to endorse JD Vance for 2028 run in painful moment
Donald Trump refuses to endorse JD Vance for 2028 run in painful moment
Falyn Stempler Sun, September 13, 2026 at 11:44 PM UTC
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U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reporters Sunday before departing from Ireland (Image: Getty Images)
President Donald Trump refused on Saturday evening to endorse Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election.
In a stunning blow to Trump's 42-year-old running mate, the president declined to "throw his weight" behind Vance this early.
He made the remarks during a press gaggle on Saturday evening outside Shannon International Airport in County Clare, Ireland, before boarding his departure flight back to Washington. Trump had made a rare state visit to Ireland while visiting the country for the Golf Open, which was hosted at his Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland.
When asked by a reporter on the tarmac if he was "ready to throw his weight" behind Vance for 2028, Trump gave an immediate, blunt response.
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"It's too early," Trump replied. "I mean, it's too early. I think he's terrific. There's so many terrific people."
After the reporter followed up for more details, Trump added, "I just think they're all very good, and JD is fantastic and did a very good job."
Trump's remarks come just days after the Republican Party hosted an unusual GOP midterm convention in Dallas in hopes of helping Trump-aligned GOP candidates in difficult midterm races.
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The convention was held about two months away from the high-stakes election, which could very well break Republicans' trifecta grip on power in Washington.
Political analysts have argued that it is likely that the Democrats will gain control of the House of Representatives. While a more uphill battle, the opposition party also has the potential to secure the Senate.
During the convention, Trump made a bold vow to pay voters $5,000 dividends if the GOP maintains control of Congress, a move that even blew away members of his own administration.
Trump was subject to fierce backlash as critics accused him of attempting to buy voters, leading his political opponents to resurface an old 2012 tweet in which Trump accused former President Barack Obama of buying voters.
Trump and Vance shaking hands at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas (Image: Getty Images)
While no GOP candidates have confirmed whether they intend to run for president in 2028, there are a handful of likely contenders.
Among them are Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
Close friends and associates of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NBC News last month that "he is considering a run for president in 2028." However, Hegseth denied the report.
Some analysts have questioned whether less likely candidates would also consider running, such as conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and even Donald "Don" Trump Jr.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
