Former President Donald Trump requested additional information from several prominent Republicans in what is likely a signal of who he may choose to be his running mate. The decision comes just six weeks ahead of the Republican National Convention.
Trump reportedly requested more information from North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Sen Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and former surgeon Ben Carson.
Vance has emerged as a key backer of the former president, including writing to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding New York Judge Juan Merchan on Trynp’s behalf.
Judge Juan Merchan's unconstitutional gag order violates President Trump's First Amendment rights and is clearly illegal.
This morning, I sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting that he investigate Merchan's actions and consider prosecution for any criminal wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/4SMbRc3Dgz
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) May 29, 2024
Vance had called the judge’s gag order against Trump “unconstitutional” and “clearly illegal.” He requested that Garland investigate the judge.
The Ohio senator emerged as a national figure after writing a book about rural Appalachian life. While Vance was a sharp critic of Trump at first, including comparing him to Adolf Hitler, he has become one of the former president’s strongest backers.
Scott ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primary but ultimately ended his campaign and backed the former president. Trump has complimented the senator for his fervent campaigning. Trump said that Scott campaigned better for him that for Scott himself.
The former president is reportedly impressed with Stefanik for her stalwart defense of him. She has quickly risen through the leadership of the Republican Party and gained notoriety for her questioning of college presidents about antisemitism on campus.
Trump complimented Stefanik last year, referring to her as a “killer.”
The choice of Rubio or Donalds could create a potential constitutional issue since both of the potential choices and Trump are all from Florida. A presidential ticket with both candidates from the same state is barred by the Constitution.
Several of the candidates have signaled openness to serving as Trump’s potential vice president. Trump invited many of the same individuals to an event at his Mar-a-Lago estate, likely to interview potential running mates.
