The Republican National Convention is still a little over a month away, which is around the time former and potentially future President Donald Trump has said he would announce his running mate. Reports came in on Wednesday night from multiple outlets, however, that a list of candidates have been sent vetting paperwork.
Among the picks are names we've all heard before, including some Republican primary opponents from 2024 and even 2016. The top four names include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, JD Vance of Ohio, and Tim Scott of South Carolina.
There's also Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida on the list, though like Rubio, there could be constitutional concerns about Trump and his running mate being from the same state. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York is also on the list, so there looks to at least be one woman under consideration. Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson is also on the list.
NEWS
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) June 5, 2024
The Trump campaign has sent VP vetting paperwork to the following people:
Doug Burgum
Marco Rubio
J.D. Vance
Tim Scott
Byron Donalds
Elise Stefanik
Ben Carson
Full Story: https://t.co/dwt4ON9hEi pic.twitter.com/dXCpX3GBDk
Reporting from the Associated Press, which cited "two people familiar with the effort" mentioned the names above. However, it was also mentioned that "[a]ides have cautioned that Trump’s list is fluid and evolving and that the decision will be up to him."
There's a statement from the Trump campaign as well. "Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump," Trump campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes is quoted as saying.
Nevertheless, people have certainly been speculating, with the conversation about who Trump will pick and the names mentioned above trending over social media.
The top four names have been particularly visible campaign surrogates, including and especially on the Sunday shows. Just earlier this week, Burgum was on CBS News' "Face the Nation" where he defended Trump, as we highlighted with Tuesday's VIP piece.
When it comes to the lower tier candidates, Stefanik certainly seems to be interested in the role. She's been particularly vocal in her outrage about the weaponized and politicized justice system being used to go after Trump, who was just found "guilty" of 34 counts last week. Stefanik has not merely put out statements, but also sent letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland and has filed complaints about the judge involved in the hush money trial, Acting Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.
Trump himself has been discussed names as well. While speaking to Newmax's Greg Kelly, he mentioned "some unbelievable people," and listed Scott, Burgum, Rubio, Vance and Carson.
🚨Full Interview: Greg Kelly with President Trump June 4th, 2024 pic.twitter.com/0NZL9HuP3i
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) June 5, 2024
Wednesday's night's episode of Fox News "Hannity" also teased a conversation host Sean Hannity had with Trump about his potential running mates as part of his exclusive interview. That second part will air on Thursday night.
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