Trump Suggests VP Pick Likely Discussed in Private at GOP Meetings

Former President Donald Trump hinted that his potential vice president was likely present during his meetings with House and Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill Thursday, as reported by The Hill.

During an interview with Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie, Trump expressed uncertainty regarding his VP candidate.

“I have a pretty good idea,” he said. “Look, we have some very talented individuals. I have a good idea.”

This visit marked Trump’s first appearance near the Capitol since the events of January 6, and he had his first discussion with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in years. Their relationship has been strained, particularly after Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results.

These meetings coincide with Republicans developing a unified agenda in case of Trump’s reelection and the GOP gaining control of the House and Senate.

McConnell described the meeting as “positive,” stating, “He [Trump] and I had a chance to converse. We shook hands several times. He received numerous standing ovations. It was a completely positive meeting… I can’t recall anything negative to report from it.”

Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., noted that the House meeting was less about policy discussion and more about rallying members to “vote with the team.” He also witnessed multiple standing ovations for the former president.

The VP shortlist includes Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Sens. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House Speaker, criticized Trump’s return, calling him the “instigator of an insurrection… returning to the scene of the crime,” as reported by the BBC.

Trump mentioned earlier in the week that he will announce his pick at the RNC convention in Milwaukee next month.