The presumptive Republican presidential nominee is closing in on the big reveal — naming who will join him on the GOP presidential ticket this fall. But the decision remains a mystery befitting Trump’s showmanship exhibited in his roles as candidate, president and television star.
Only Trump himself knows who it will be — most insiders say the whole thing remains fluid. Here is some intel on the top contenders:
J.D. Vance
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) largely rose to prominence through his biographical tome “Hillbilly Elegy,” which recalled his rural Ohio upbringing in a poor family.
He is a Marines and alum of the Ohio State University. A former critic of Trump, he’s since embraced the former president’s populist views.
Vance, 39, has the backing of Donald Trump Jr., who said on an episode of his podcast aired Tuesday that “everyone knows” he’s favored the Ohio senator for his father’s running mate.
Doug Burgum
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) was one of Trump’s rivals for the GOP nomination earlier in the 2024 race, before he suspended his campaign in December and endorsed the former president in January.
Burgum,67, has since been seen as a top ally and close adviser to Trump. A wealthy businessman like the former president, Burgum has also made appearances along the campaign trail with Trump.
Trump Jr. said Burgum is a “smart guy,” but suggested Tuesday that the governor would fare better as his father’s Energy Secretary — aligning with Burgum’s current role as an adviser to the former president on energy policy.
Marco Rubio
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who Trump even dubbed “Liddle Marco” as the two sparred for the GOP’s 2016 presidential nomination, has sidled up as a potential partner on the GOP ticket despite the bitter previous tension.
Rubio may need to relinquish his life-long Florida home, unless a court intervenes, to join new Florida resident Trump’s ticket, but the former presidential hopeful hasn’t explicitly turned down the opportunity.
Trump Jr. also dismissed Rubio as a candidate Tuesday, deeming him too closely aligned with the establishment sect of the Republican party.
Wildcards: No one can predict what Trump will do. Stay tuned into The Hill for the latest.
