Former President Donald Trump has officially selected Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his vice presidential running mate for the upcoming November election. Trump made the announcement on social media just before accepting the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on Monday.
A source familiar with Vance’s selection said that Vance flew privately to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump on Saturday morning. He received the call from Trump asking him to be his running mate just 20 minutes before the former president announced the selection on social media.
In his social media post, Trump stated, “After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator JD Vance of the Great State of Ohio.
Trump praised Vance for his service in the Marine Corps, his academic achievements at Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and his bestselling book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which “championed the hardworking men and women of our Country.” Trump also noted Vance’s previous career as a venture capitalist.
Vance, 39, is one of the youngest men to be a vice presidential nominee and is a relative newcomer to politics, having served only a year and a half as a senator. His selection over other contenders such as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signifies Trump’s preference for loyalty and public support.
Although Vance was not present at the Pennsylvania rally where a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump, he expressed his concern and support for the former president from Ohio. He also shared fundraising information for the families of those affected by the incident, stating, “Courageous, United, and Defiant. This is leadership.
A campaign video released by Trump’s team showcased clips of Vance on the campaign trail with Trump and his television appearances, concluding with the Trump-Vance campaign logo.
Initially a vocal critic of Trump, Vance has since become one of his staunchest allies. In a Fox News interview earlier this year, Vance admitted he was wrong about Trump, saying, “I think you should, when you are wrong about something, you should change your mind and be honest with people about that fact.
Vance’s selection represents a significant departure from Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence. Vance has previously stated he would have refused to certify the election results on January 6, 2020, if he had been in Pence’s position, advocating for a contested certification process.
As the Republican National Convention continues, Trump and Vance will prepare to challenge the Democratic nominee, likely President Joe Biden, in the upcoming election. Biden, despite facing scrutiny over his mental fitness, is expected to receive the Democratic nomination at the Democratic National Convention on August 19.
