As the Republican National Convention gears up to start this evening in Milwaukee, former President Donald Trump is poised to announce his much-anticipated vice presidential running mate. Recent updates have revealed that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum were specifically told they're not on the ticket. This information comes from the WFLAPress, which initially broke the news.
Trump, who is 78, has remained tight-lipped about his choice, generating speculation and anticipation. According to New York Post, Rubio and Burgum's exclusion from the running mate position was confirmed on Monday. With their VP hopes dashed, Ohio Sen. JD Vance remains a lone known candidate from Trump’s shortlist who hasn’t been explicitly ruled out. However, Trump’s history of unpredictability means the eventual nominee might still surprise.
The announcement holds particular significance this year, not just because it launche Trump's formal campaign as the Republican presidential nominee, but also because it follows a harrowing episode over the weekend. As reported by AP News, Trump was subject to an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, raising potential concerns about his second-in-command's security readiness.
Details on the attempted attack remain scarce, and Trump has sidestepped questions on whether the incident influenced his VP decision.
