PHILADELPHIA – Former Pres Donald Trump said he knows who his vice presidential pick will be on Saturday — and dropped a hint about his likely debate night plans.
Asked by NBC News on the campaign trail in Philadelphia if he had decided on his vice presidential pick, Trump said, “I think so,” adding that the person will “probably” be in Thursday’s debate against President Joe Biden.
“They’ll be there,” he said. “I think we get a lot of people coming.”
Trump said that no one knows his choice yet. NBC News previously reported that Trump was zeroing in on Doug Burgum, JD Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as possible primary candidates for the slot.
Sources familiar with the selection process This was reported by NBC News North Dakota Governor Burgum and Ohio Senator Vance are considered the top two finalists. Rubio is still being considered, though a constitutional hurdle requires either Trump or Rubio to have residency outside of Florida.
Trump’s top adviser, Brian Hughes, said in a statement that the campaign’s primary criteria for selecting the candidate’s running mate was “a strong leader who will be a great President for eight years after his next four-year term ends.”
Trump has been holding informal policy sessions with confidants, including possible vice presidential candidates, ahead of the debate. Vance held a meeting with Trump on the economy and inflation, and Rubio discussed it with Trump when the former president was in DC earlier this month.
His comments Saturday came during a stop at a local Philadelphia restaurant before the rally. Pennsylvania is expected to be a vital state on the road to the White House. Biden turned Pennsylvania blue in 2020 and continues to campaign in the state as the election nears.
The former president said that he plans to announce the vice-presidential election “around the convention”.
“Maybe a little earlier, but it could be at the convention,” Trump said. “But we will have wonderful people.”
The Republican National ConventionThe event, where representatives from all over the country will officially nominate the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates, will be held in Milwaukee on July 15-18.
Jake Traylor and Dasha Burns reported from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Megan Lebowitz, Alec Hernández and Isabelle Schmeler reported from Washington.
Jonathan Allen contributed.