Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, indicated on Wednesday that he has excluded certain individuals he deemed unfit as potential running mates for the upcoming November 5 election.
In an interview with Newsmax host Greg Kelly on his show Greg Kelly Reports, Trump mentioned that he has “a couple of people” in mind as potential vice president “that you may know very well.” He also noted that while some individuals have been ruled out, he has considered “a lot of people” for the position.
“We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party, and they’ll do a terrific job, I think, but certainly I have people that I wouldn’t want as a vice president,” Trump stated.
While Trump’s remarks did not disclose specific names, reports suggest that the former president is carefully evaluating candidates’ stances on abortion rights.
Last month, Trump reportedly solicited opinions on Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina as a potential vice president while dining at his Mar-a-Lago resort. During the discussion, Trump inquired about members’ views on abortion, signaling his consideration of the issue in selecting a running mate.
Abortion has emerged as a contentious issue in American politics, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Scott, a vocal opponent of abortion rights, has supported legislation imposing restrictions on the procedure, including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
However, sources suggest that Trump may be wary of selecting a vice president with staunch anti-abortion views, recognizing the issue’s complexity and potential electoral implications. One source highlighted Trump’s perception of abortion as a critical issue for the Republican Party.
According to Gallup polling data from 2023, a significant portion of Americans support abortion rights under certain circumstances, indicating shifting attitudes on the issue. The percentage of Republicans advocating for a complete ban on abortion has declined over the years, reflecting evolving viewpoints within the party.
Trump also mentioned other potential vice presidential picks, including Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Notably, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who holds conservative views on abortion, was mentioned with some reservations due to her state’s strict abortion laws.
In his interview with Newsmax, Trump emphasized his intention to select a vice president who aligns with conservative principles, including support for law and order, low taxes, low interest rates, and strict border policies.
