Washington DC - President Donald Trump hasn't publicly endorsed a presidential candidate for the 2028 race, but he has reportedly been pushing for Vice President JD Vance in private.

According to The Washington Post, about two weeks ago, Trump held a meeting with donors in the Oval Office, during which he told them, "At the end of the day, we need to elect JD."

The remarks are a stark contrast to the president's public messaging, as he has floated between supporting Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While sources have previously said Trump initially preferred Vance – as it's typical for vice presidents to succeed their bosses – he's been increasing his praise of Rubio as the secretary becomes more prominent on the world stage.

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The president even once joked about firing Rubio for outshining him during the Munich Security Conference back in February.

In June, Trump revealed that he would like to see the politicians run together, but declined to say who should be at the top of the ticket.

Despite Trump's reported push for Vance, multiple advisers and allies expressed skepticism that the president has made a decision, as he's been known to tell people conflicting things or abruptly change his mind.

Some even insisted Trump would delay endorsing anyone to avoid appearing to be a lame duck.

"Anyone assuming it's a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn't know the president very well," one official argued.