The countdown begins.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering announcing his choice for vice presidential running mate as early as this week, potentially before Thursday’s debate, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump has publicly indicated his intention to announce his pick shortly before or during the Republican convention next month. However, recent discussions within the Trump campaign suggest a possible acceleration of this timeline to make a significant impact sooner rather than later.
Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, cautioned that the timing of the announcement is not yet finalized and could still occur closer to the convention. Following the publication of these discussions, Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita hinted on Twitter that the announcement could come as early as today or sometime in mid-July.
Trump is scheduled to participate in his first debate against President Joe Biden in Atlanta on Thursday and has a rally planned in Virginia on Friday. With the Republican National Convention scheduled to begin on July 15 in Milwaukee, Trump faces a narrow window to introduce his running mate to the public.
According to NBC News, potential picks such as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida remain high on Trump’s list. Trump recently indicated that he has already made his decision and that the chosen running mate will be present at the upcoming debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta, where Rubio, Vance, and Burgum are expected to be in attendance.
Insiders familiar with the discussions about an early announcement have differing opinions about Trump’s preferences. Some sources suggest Trump is eager to finalize his ticket before facing Biden, while others believe Trump may be considering a strategic move to distract Biden ahead of their debate, despite potential logistical and political complications.
Amid speculation, Trump’s spokesperson Brian Hughes reiterated Trump’s criteria for selecting a vice president and emphasized that any claims about the timing or identity of the vice presidential pick should be viewed with skepticism unless confirmed by Trump himself.
Regarding his potential candidacy for vice president, Gov. Burgum avoided direct comment on whether he planned to discuss this with Trump before the debate, focusing instead on his anticipation of the upcoming debate in Atlanta.
