Former President Donald Trump’s list of potential running mates narrowed down to five leading choices in late January, according to reports, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene and former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake leading the pack.
But that suddenly changed this week.
Former South Carolina Gov. and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has reportedly been “auditioning” for the role of Trump’s running mate, despite running her own 2024 Republican presidential campaign.
“Looking at Haley as a possible running mate for Trump puts a whole different spin on her chances,” wrote HotAir’s David Strom. “She would actually be a good choice for Trump. She is smart, good-looking, articulate, conservative, and appeals to moderates.”
Haley isn’t the only potential vice presidential pick that has forced their name onto Trump’s shortlist.
Trump is also reportedly “listening” to advisors who are urging him to choose Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another potential top rival, as running mate.
“Some of his supporters are suggesting he make a deal with DeSantis to make him VP, and he’s listening, but hasn’t agreed,” a source reportedly told The New York Post.
“Supporters say the VP offer stops DeSantis from opposing [Trump in 2024] and offer a ‘youthful conservative vigor’ to the slot, which Biden doesn’t have,” The Post reported.
“DeSantis wants to raise money and test the waters, but what he really wants to do is run in 2028 after Trump wins or loses — with him or without him. It’s early days, but some donors are pushing for a partnership,” the source later reportedly said.
Don’t break out the champagne quite yet, though.
Trump recently told Newsmax’s Greg Kelly that he was “down” on DeSantis because of perceived disloyalty.
“Look, right now, I’m very down on him,” Trump said in an interview Monday. “I’m a believer in loyalty. I’m very disappointed in him, because I’m a loyal person, maybe to a fault.”
The Horn editorial team