Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is in the early stages of vetting potential running mates and Cabinet officials – but the 45th president has already begun narrowing his options and eliminated some previous front-runners.
Trump is valuing certain priorities like loyalty, ideology, and perceived political advantages, according to individuals familiar with the matter.
Among those ruled out for vice president is former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, sources told Bloomberg.
Trump personally informed the entrepreneur that while he will not join the ticket, but said he is being considered for cabinet roles such as Secretary of Homeland Security. Some allies view Ramaswamy as an ideal fit for that position given his reputation as an articulate spokesperson who could defuse criticism over hardline immigration policies as the son of legal immigrants.
The conversation with Ramaswamy is part of a series of recent discussions Trump has conducted as he solidifies his status as the 2024 GOP nominee.
According to those with knowledge of the process, the evaluations center on factors like loyalty to Trump, compatibility with his “America First” agenda, and which contenders could provide tangible electoral advantages in key battlegrounds.
Among the names that have impressed Trump and his team are former primary rival and current North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, as well as New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
In a surprise, ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is considered a top prospect for White House Chief of Staff should Trump return to office.
But there’s still a chance for a shakeup, insiders caution.
Recently, Trump’s list of options being weighed has grown longer rather than shorter, suggesting an expansive vetting process still lies ahead before a final decision.
For his running mate, Trump’s predominant aim is finding someone who can measurably bolster the Republican ticket’s standing against President Joe Biden – whether through shoring up support in a crucial region, energizing a key demographic, or compensating for perceived weaknesses in Trump’s profile.
Trump has confided in close advisers that he wants to take his time thoroughly evaluating all options.
This deliberate approach stems from his determination to avoid what allies view as the mistakes of his first term’s haphazard transition that appointed several administration officials who frequently clashed with Trump’s agenda rather than empowering it.
Insiders say the vetting process has involved senior campaign aides like Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, as well as Trump’s family members like son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Don Jr.
Kushner has recently increased his involvement, calling and texting suggestions, while Don Jr. has expressed interest in playing a key transition role to help block personnel opposed by hardline MAGA loyalists.
Trump is reportedly drawn to candidates who project a similar aura of wealth, success, and a polished personal brand like the Trump family.
But Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller has repeatedly downplayed running mate speculation as very premature.
“The truth is that unless you hear it directly from President Trump or his campaign, this is all b.s.,” Miller cautioned.
While the outlines of Trump’s Cabinet remain in flux, he has privately lavished praise on Burgum — a fellow billionaire and short-lived 2024 rival — as a potential fit to oversee his administration’s transition and possibly lead the Energy Department given their shared support for fossil fuels.
Stefanik, currently the No. 3 House Republican, is seen as likely to secure a top role despite perceived shortcomings in her national profile and fundraising prowess.
Trump’s 2024 campaign is still in the opening stages, leaving time for his preferences regarding key personnel to evolve.
However, the former president’s meticulous vetting process suggests any future administration would be firmly remolded to advance his “America First” priorities while purging any voices seen as constraining that agenda’s implementation.
The Horn editorial team