Vice President JD Vance said Monday that he expects President Donald Trump to endorse him if he seeks the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, although he has not yet decided whether to run or discussed the possibility with Trump.

“I really have not made up my mind about what to do in 2028. I just haven't focused on it,” Vance told journalist Mark Halperin in an interview that aired Monday evening. “Look, I think if I run, the president will endorse me.”

Vance acknowledged that Trump could choose to remain neutral initially and allow potential candidates to compete before making a decision. Given Trump’s influence over Republican voters, an early endorsement could significantly shape the primary contest.

“I think I would get his endorsement, but I also think there's something to be said for people actually running their own race,” Vance said. He added that Trump might decide to let the race develop rather than commit to a candidate prematurely.

Vance nevertheless reiterated his belief that Trump would ultimately support him, while emphasizing that the two have not discussed the matter.

In a separate interview with former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, Vance described Trump’s endorsement as potentially decisive in determining the Republican nominee.

“Of course, I think whoever the president endorses will ultimately win the Republican primary,” Vance told Spicer.

However, Vance distinguished winning the GOP nomination from securing the presidency. While Trump’s support could give a candidate a substantial advantage among Republican primary voters, Vance said the eventual nominee would still have to convince the broader electorate to support the party’s platform.

“Because while Donald Trump will ultimately decide who's going to be the Republican nominee, you have a general election; 330 million Americans are going to decide who the president of the United States is,” Vance said.

Trump’s endorsement has already played a significant role in Vance’s political career. In 2022, Trump backed Vance in Ohio’s Republican Senate primary, helping him overcome an early polling deficit against rivals Mike Gibbons and Josh Mandel.

For now, Vance has stopped short of declaring a 2028 campaign. His comments nevertheless underscore Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party and the importance a presidential endorsement could carry as the next nomination contest approaches.