The future Republican vice presidential candidate’s plane currently sits in an undisclosed hangar, waiting for the final touch—a decal featuring their name. Fundraisers are planned, and the political world is on edge, anticipating former President Donald Trump’s announcement of his running mate for the 2024 election.
Despite the excitement, senior advisers and long-time allies insist they still don’t know whom Trump will choose. Many believe the decision is still in flux. “I haven’t made a final decision. But I have some ideas as to where we’re going,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity that aired Monday night.
This decision comes at a tumultuous time in the presidential race. President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party are grappling with his poor debate performance and growing calls for the 81-year-old president to step aside for a younger candidate. This Democratic crisis has given Trump little incentive to shift focus away from his opponent by announcing a VP pick just yet.
“A little bit, you know, we wanted to see what they’re doing, to be honest. Because, you know, it might make a difference,” Trump told Hannity, told The Hill.
However, the speculation continues to build, with Trump set to hold two rallies this week. His senior adviser, Jason Miller, hinted on “Fox & Friends” that the announcement could come at any time. The first rally is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Trump’s golf club in Doral, Florida, near Miami. This location would be ideal for unveiling a pick like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is considered one of the top contenders and will attend the event.
On Saturday, Trump will travel to Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, for another rally at the Butler Farm Show near Pittsburgh. This venue is close to Ohio, home to another potential VP pick, Sen. JD Vance. Also on the shortlist is North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who has grown close to Trump since dropping his own bid for the nomination.
Trump’s VP announcement could come in various forms. He might reveal it on his Truth Social platform or wait for a dramatic reveal at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Milwaukee on July 15. “Probably a little before the convention, but not much. It could even be during the convention that we’d do it. I’d love to do it during the convention. … It would make it even more exciting,” Trump said.
Throughout the process, Trump has teased his choice. In late May, he told NBC News at a campaign stop in Philadelphia that he had made a decision “in my mind, yeah.” Yet, a week later, he told a Virginia television station that his decision was still in flux. “We have such a deep bench. But we’ll be making a decision sometime early convention or before convention.”
Despite the anticipation, those close to Trump remain in the dark. “Anyone telling you they know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying unless that person is named Donald J. Trump,” said adviser Brian Hughes.
Top contenders like Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. JD Vance have also stated they haven’t been informed. “Look, I’ve heard nothing, I know nothing,” Rubio said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” Vance echoed this sentiment on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” saying, “I have not gotten the call.”
As speculation swirls, Sen. Lindsey Graham has pushed for Sen. Tim Scott, highlighting his potential to add value in 2024, especially if Biden were replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris. “If I were President Trump, I would make sure I pick somebody that could add value in 2024. Expand the map,” Graham said.
Biden, however, insists he will not drop out, stating only “the Lord Almighty” could change his mind.