Former President Donald Trump hosted a number of Republican officials at his home at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, sparking speculation that one of those invited would ultimately be his vice presidential running mate. The event came amid increasing discussion over who might place the former president in the best position to win November’s election.
The former president discussed several individuals who may be on his shortlist for the position. Trump said that Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) “name is coming up a lot for vice president.” The senator may be an unlikely choice because the 12th Amendment requires that a presidential and vice presidential ticket must have candidates from different states.
Both men are from Florida.
This may also count out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who Trump met with last week.
Is Donald Trump’s VP pick on this stage? pic.twitter.com/c2yovgDcj5
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 5, 2024
Trump also complimented Rep. Bryon Donalds (R-FL), who Trump said “created something very special politically.” The former president also said that Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) was a “man that knows more about the military” and is a trusted adviser to him. However, both representatives are from Florida and could cause a 12th Amendment issue for the president.
Trump also praised Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who briefly ran a bid for the Republican nomination for president last year. Trump said that Scott as a candidate “did a good job.” However, as a surrogate for Trump, who he later endorsed, Scott is “unbelievable.”
Trump called Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) “one of the great senators” but also recalled that Vance originally did not support him and called him a “total disaster.”
The former president also called Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) a “very smart person.” He said that she has become a “big factor” as Stefanik positioned herself as one of the former president’s biggest defenders.
Trump also cited North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R), who is speculated to be among the vice presidential finalists.
Last week the former president was asked who was leading his choice for vice presidential nominee. “I’ll be making that determination sometime prior to the convention,” citing the Republican National Convention later this year.
