Donald Trump Jr. has slammed a report claiming he is “seriously” considering a 2028 presidential bid, calling it false and ridiculing the sources behind it.
The report, published by Mediaite on Thursday, cited three high-level sources who alleged that President Donald Trump’s eldest son has been quietly laying the groundwork for a potential campaign, engaging with political allies and donors.
In response, Trump Jr. took to X (formerly Twitter) to vehemently deny the claims, backing his father’s vice president, JD Vance, as the likely Republican successor instead.
“I accurately predicted that my buddy JD would be an instant power player in national GOP politics, so your theory is that I worked my [expletive] off to help get him the VP nomination because I want to run for president in 2028? Are you [expletive] retarded?” he posted.
“I’m actually glad you’re printing this [expletive] because at least now the rest of the press corps will see how [expletive] your ‘sources’ are and how easily you’re played by them. Congrats, moron.”
The Race for 2028
With Donald Trump constitutionally barred from a third term, speculation is already swirling over who will lead the GOP in 2028. Unless there is an unlikely constitutional amendment, Republicans will need a new nominee.
According to Newsweek, Trump Jr. is currently 25/1 (3.8% probability) to win the presidency in 2028—behind JD Vance and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the most likely Republican contenders.
While Trump Jr. has dismissed the idea, sources cited by Mediaite claim he has been taking meetings with donors and political allies to gauge support for a potential campaign. If true, he would be competing with Vance, DeSantis, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others.
Trump Weighs in on 2028
Despite being the Republican Party’s dominant figure, Donald Trump himself has not yet endorsed a 2028 successor.
During a Super Bowl interview, Fox News’ Bret Baier asked if Trump views JD Vance as the likely Republican nominee in 2028.
Trump responded: “No, but he’s very capable. I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s too early—we’re just starting.”
Baier later called Trump’s response “shocking”, noting that many expected him to back Vance as his heir.
Trump Jr.’s Role in the GOP
Although he denies any presidential ambitions, Trump Jr. has remained a key player in Republican politics, leveraging his strong social media presence and deep ties to the party’s base.
During the 2024 election cycle, he was a high-profile campaigner for Republican candidates and was involved in headline-grabbing moments, including a Madison Square Garden rally in October 2024. There, he took the stage alongside Elon Musk, Rudy Giuliani, and Tucker Carlson, delivering an impassioned speech to fire up Trump’s supporters just before the election.
Additionally, Trump Jr. has been increasing his international visibility, recently traveling to Greenland to advocate for U.S. control of the Danish territory—a move some see as an effort to boost his foreign policy credentials.
Analysts Weigh In
William Kedjanyi, a political betting analyst at Star Sports, noted that Trump Jr.’s odds of winning the presidency have improved significantly: “Donald Trump Jr. was 66/1 to become the next U.S. president when we opened betting for 2028, and he has now moved to 25/1. A recent GOP poll placed him behind only Vice President JD Vance as the preferred 2028 nominee.”
Kedjanyi added that Trump’s eventual endorsement—whether for Vance, his son, or another candidate—will have a massive impact on the race.
Meanwhile, New York Times columnist Kristen Soltis Anderson believes Vance is the natural successor to Trump’s movement, calling him the candidate most aligned with the former president’s base.
“Mr. Vance has displayed what Trump’s core supporters love—a thirst for combat, an indifference to criticism, and a populist stance—while positioning himself as a leader for the next generation of Republicans.”
What Happens Next?
The 2028 Republican primary is shaping up to be wide open, with Trump Jr. remaining a wildcard despite his strong denial.
Whether he ultimately jumps into the race or not, his influence within the GOP—and his father’s endorsement—will undoubtedly play a key role in deciding the party’s next leader.
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