Advertisement
US presidential election 2024
WorldUnited States & Canada

Who would Donald Trump pick for his vice-president?

  • As Donald Trump closes in on nomination, the effective audition to become his vice-president is under way
  • The Trump campaign has held several events in both Iowa and New Hampshire with high-profile surrogates

Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Donald Trump at a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire. Photo: AP
Associated Press

As she addressed a crushing crowd of volunteers and media at Donald Trump’s New Hampshire headquarters on Saturday, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik received a welcome chant.

Advertisement

“VP! VP! VP!” one man shouted across the room.

While vice-presidential candidates typically aren’t picked until after a candidate has locked down the nomination, Trump’s decisive win in last week’s Iowa caucuses and the departure of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from the race have only heightened what had already been a widespread sense of inevitability that he will be the Republican nominee.

That has given the campaign trail stops by Stefanik and other Republicans the feel of a public tryout reminiscent of Trump’s days as a reality TV host.

Donald Trump and Kari Lake. File photo: AP
Donald Trump and Kari Lake. File photo: AP

Many Republicans covet a spot on the presidential ticket with Trump as a chance to serve in a high-profile role that has elevated many ambitious politicians from relative obscurity.

Advertisement

That interest comes despite the fate of Trump’s first vice-president, Mike Pence. For four years, Pence was Trump’s most loyal defender, advocating for him at every turn. But in the final months of their administration, Trump turned on Pence, casting him as disloyal for refusing to go along with his unconstitutional effort to block President Joe Biden’s win.

Advertisement