- Donald Trump plans to announce his running mate for the 2024 presidential election within hours, according to Fox News after speaking with the former president.
- The top contenders for Trump’s vice presidential pick are believed to be Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.
- Trump’s VP announcement comes amid major national news, including a failed assassination attempt against him at a recent campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Former president Donald Trump plans to announce his running mate later today, according to Fox News.
Announcement Expected Monday
Fox News anchor Bret Baier spoke with Trump and reported that the former president confirmed he will be making his vice presidential pick today. “He did confirm that he’s going to make a VP choice today,” Baier said.
Trump also hinted at other surprises to come, according to Baier. The announcement is scheduled for sometime Monday, the same day as the start of the Republican National Convention.
Top Contenders Emerge
The race for the Republican vice presidential nomination has likely narrowed to three top contenders: Senator JD Vance of Ohio, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Both Vance and Rubio were initially critical of Trump during his 2016 campaign but have since become staunch supporters as Trump’s 2024 campaign gained momentum. Burgum avoided directly attacking Trump when he challenged him in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
In recent weeks, all three men have vigorously defended Trump as speculation around the vice presidential pick intensified. Vance and Burgum appeared outside Trump’s criminal trial in New York to criticize the prosecution, while Rubio compared the trial to “show trials” in communist Cuba after Trump’s conviction.
Announcement Comes Amid Tumultuous News Cycle
Trump’s announcement comes amid an incredibly chaotic news cycle. Over the weekend, an assassination attempt against Trump left one dead at a Pennsylvania campaign rally. The attack injured Trump and elicited widespread condemnation.
In a national address, President Joe Biden urged Americans to tone down heated rhetoric and reaffirm democratic norms of civility.
