President Donald Trump has reportedly initiated the formal vetting process for potential vice presidential candidates.
Sources nearby NBC News reveal that a select group of high-profile conservatives have been approached to submit vetting papers.
Former Tea Party Express chairwoman Amy Kramer wrote on X that those contacted by the campaign to vet paperwork include:
- Doug Burgum
- Ben Carson
- Byron Donalds
- Marco Rubio
- Tim Scott
- Elise Stefanik
- J.D. Vance
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JUST IN:
Team Trump sent VP investigation papers to the following people…
Doug Burgum
Ben Carson
Byron Donalds
Marco Rubio
Tim Scott
Elise Stefanik
J.D. Vance
— Amy Kremer (@AmyKremer) June 6, 2024
According to NBCAccording to one source, Trump’s vice presidential search is primarily focused on four leading candidates: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senators Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina and JD Vance of Ohio. Another source mentioned a three-way match between Burgum, Rubio and Vance.
More from the news center:
However, it is unclear who all have been asked to provide audit data that could rule them out or exclude them. Burgum, who was that spend more time with Trump is among those who received a request in recent weeks, a source familiar with the request said. Advisors to Burgum and other potential running mates declined or did not respond to requests for comment this week.
Sources involved in conversations about the search cautioned that Trump is working from a fluid shortlist that sometimes includes more than half a dozen names. Additions, subtractions and the emergence of dark horse candidates remain possible.
Others who have been mentioned as potential running mates include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida and Ben Carsonwho served as the Trump administration’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
The discreet outreach by campaign officials accelerated last month, even as Trump was embroiled in his criminal hush-money lawsuit. ABC reported.
“Anyone who claims to know who or when President Trump will choose his vice president is lying, unless the person’s name is Donald J. Trump,” said Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign.
According to APTrump plans to make his VP announcement closer to the Republican National Convention, scheduled for July.
