MILWAUKEE: Former President Donald Trump is expected to reveal his choice for a running mate on Monday as the Republican National Convention opens here.
Trump confirmed his plans to announce the Vice Presidential candidate during a telephone interview with Bret Baier of Fox News on Monday morning. Baier relayed Trump’s statement, saying, “Yes, we’re going to get the VP today. And he said there’s other things to come. I don’t know what that means.”
A Trump campaign official, when asked for comment, referred to Baier’s interview for confirmation.
The selection process for Trump’s running mate has been closely guarded, with the former president and his top advisers maintaining strict confidentiality. Three finalists are reportedly in contention: Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota. The final decision, including the timing of the announcement and the identity of the chosen candidate, rests largely with Trump himself.
The assassination attempt against Trump at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday had raised questions about potential changes to the timing or scope of the Vice Presidential announcement. However, Trump’s decision to proceed with the announcement on Monday aligns with his preferred timeline of unveiling the pick at the convention.
In the lead-up to the Pennsylvania rally, Trump conducted final consultations with the finalists. Sources familiar with the discussions informed NBC News that Vance and Rubio met with Trump in person at his Mar-a-Lago resort, while Burgum had a discussion with Trump over the phone. ABC News initially reported on these meetings.
