As the 2024 GOP nomination appears increasingly likely for former President Donald Trump, speculation is mounting about his choice of running mate. According to The Messenger, after conducting interviews with a dozen prominent Republicans, including Trump advisors, the list of potential vice-presidential candidates has narrowed significantly.
Among the frontrunners are South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik. Governor Noem, a staunch Trump supporter, has gained attention recently as a potential vice-presidential pick. In a recent interview with Real America’s Voice, Noem discussed her support for Trump and didn’t rule out the possibility of joining his ticket, CNN reported,
Trump himself has spoken highly of Noem, praising her governorship and her endorsement of his presidency. This has fueled speculation about her involvement in his potential third White House bid.
Elise Stefanik, another fervent Trump supporter, has risen rapidly within the Republican ranks, particularly after the ousting of Trump critic Liz Cheney. Stefanik has been vocal in her defense of Trump, recently criticizing the judge presiding over Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York for alleged bias, according to Axios.
Meanwhile, former First Lady Melania Trump has reportedly thrown her support behind Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, as a vice-presidential candidate. Axios reported that Melania sees Carlson as a strong complement to her husband on the campaign trail, although there are doubts about Carlson’s likelihood of being chosen due to his independent profile and the belief that he cannot be easily controlled.
New York Times columnist Maggie Haberman also weighed in, acknowledging the possibility of Carlson being considered for the VP spot. She noted that Trump’s political team is more organized than before, suggesting a thorough vetting process for potential candidates. However, she pointed out that Carlson’s prominence could pose a challenge for Trump.
Trump himself has not dismissed the idea of Carlson as a running mate, noting Carlson’s common sense approach and aligning it with his political ideology during an appearance on “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.”
As the race for the 2024 GOP nomination heats up, the choice of Trump’s running mate remains a topic of significant interest and speculation among political circles.
