Trump says choice of running mate already made 

 

Former President Donald Trump hinted on Saturday that he has already chosen his running mate for the upcoming election.

 

When questioned by NBC News during a campaign event in Philadelphia, Trump replied, “In my mind, yes,” indicating that he has made a decision.

 

He further suggested that his vice-presidential pick will likely attend the debate against President Joe Biden on Thursday, implying that the individual will be prepared to take on the role and confront Biden directly.

 

“They’ll be there,” he continued. “I think we have a lot of people coming.”

 

Donald Trump claims that his vice-presidential pick remains a secret, saying “nobody knows” who it is.

 

However, according to NBC News sources, the top contenders for the role are Doug Burgum, JD Vance, and Senator Marco Rubio.

 

But sources close to the selection process indicate that Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, and Vance, an Ohio Senator, are the leading finalists. While Rubio is still in consideration, a constitutional technicality would require either Trump or Rubio to establish residency outside of Florida in order to be eligible.

 

According to Trump senior adviser Brian Hughes, the campaign’s primary consideration for choosing a vice president is someone who can “make a great President for eight years” following Trump’s potential second term.

 

As the debate approaches, Trump is engaging in informal policy discussions with trusted allies, including potential running mates. These sessions have included conversations with JD Vance on economic issues and inflation, as well as a meeting with Marco Rubio during Trump’s recent visit to Washington, D.C.

 

Trump revealed that he intends to unveil his vice-presidential running mate around the time of the convention or possibly even sooner.

 

“Maybe a little before, but could be at the convention,” Trump said. “But we’ll have some great people.”

 

The Republican National Convention, where delegates from all over the country will gather to formally nominate the party’s candidates for president and vice president, is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee.