Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has begun formally soliciting information from a limited group of potential running mates, ABC News has learned, marking a significant step forward in the process of selecting a vice president.
The campaign has requested vetting documents from North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, as well as Sens. Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance, according to sources. The campaign staffers’ discreet outreach increased last month, while Trump was preoccupied with his criminal hush-money trial, according to insiders.
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Others are likely to be considered for the No. 2 position, but the early inquiries reveal who tops Trump’s list at this time. According to campaign insiders, Donald Trump will make the final choice.
“Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump,” said Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign.
According to reports, Trump campaign executives have also requested material from Senator Tim Scott, Representatives Byron Donalds, Elise Stefanik, and Ben Carson. However, it is unclear how widespread the demands were.
Burgum and Vance representatives did not reply to an ABC request for comment. Rubio denied receiving any outreach from Trump campaign staff.
“I haven’t talked to them about the vice president,” Rubio told ABC’s Rachel Scott on Wednesday.
While the former president has yet to reveal who he will choose as his vice president, he has stated that he intends to make his decision closer to the Republican National Convention in July.
Over the last few weeks, people considered to be Trump’s vice president have raised their public image by speaking on cable networks, supporting the former president during his hush-money trial, and even appearing in court with Trump.
Burgum was the only known potential veepstakes contender to appear at the courthouse during jury deliberations for Trump’s criminal trial, which occurred only after Trump campaign managers requested that he offer background information for consideration in the running-mate search.
Last week, after appearing on television outside the courthouse, Burgum joined Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., as the jury deliberated. Two hours later, Trump was convicted.
Burgum’s attendance signified a commitment to the next steps and strength as a partner amid turbulent waters.
Vance also appeared as a surrogate at the Manhattan Courts on May 13.
When asked about the possibility of serving as vice president under Trump, Burgum, Rubio, and Vance have often avoided answering the question directly, instead stating that they would do whatever the Trump campaign asked of them, which has included acting as campaign surrogates and raising money for the former president’s campaign.
According to sources, discussions have taken place with the Rubio camp about how to overcome the constitutional issue that may bar residents from the same state from appearing on the same presidential ticket, including the potential for the Florida senator to relocate for the position.
When asked recently on NBC if he wanted to be vice president, Rubio answered, “I’ll do whatever the campaign asks me to do.”
On Tuesday night, Newsmax asked Trump if he was close to choosing a running mate and he praised Vance, Rubio, and Burgum.
“I believed Tim Scott didn’t run as well as he could have for himself, but as a surrogate for me, he was great.” He’s been incredible,” Trump stated.
“Governor Burgum of North Dakota has been outstanding. Marco Rubio has been excellent. J.D. Vance has been excellent. We’ve had so many wonderful folks out there.”
