PHILADELPHIA — Former President Donald Trump said Saturday he knows who his vice presidential pick will be — and offered a clue about his or her likely plans for debate night.
When asked by NBC News during a campaign stop in Philadelphia whether he has made a decision on his vice presidential pick, Trump replied: “In my mind, yes,” adding that the person will “most likely” be at the debate on Thursday in return for President Joe Biden.
“They’ll be there,” he continued. “I think a lot of people will come.”
Trump said that “no one knows his choice yet.” NBC News has previously reported that Trump is targeting this Doug BurgumJ.D. Vance and Senator. Marco RubioR-Fla., as possible top candidates for the slot.
Sources familiar with the selection process told NBC News that Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, and Vance, a senator from Ohio, are considered the top two finalists. Rubio is still under consideration, although a constitutional issue would require either Trump or Rubio to establish residency outside of Florida.
Trump senior adviser Brian Hughes said in a statement that the campaign’s main criterion for selecting a running mate is “a strong leader who will be a great president for eight years after his next four-year term ends.”
Trump is holding informal policy sessions with confidants, including potential vice presidential candidates, in the run-up to the debate. Vance has held a session with Trump on the economy and inflation, and Rubio had a conversation with Trump earlier this month when the former president was in DC.
His comments on Saturday came during a stop at a local restaurant in Philadelphia before a rally. Pennsylvania is expected to be a crucial swing state on the road to the White House. Biden turned Pennsylvania blue in 2020 and continues to campaign across the state as the election approaches.
The former president said he plans to announce his vice presidential pick “around the convention.”
“Maybe a little earlier, but it could be at the convention,” Trump said. “But we will have great people.”
The Republican National Convention, in which delegates from across the country will officially nominate the party’s nominees for president and vice president, will take place in Milwaukee from July 15 to 18.
Jake Traylor and Dasha Burns reported from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Megan Lebowitz, Alec Hernández and Isabelle Schmeler reported from Washington, DC.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
