Who Might Donald Trump Pick for VP? – It should be obvious that should Donald Trump actually follow through with his increasingly absurd-looking plan to mount a campaign to return to the White House that former Vice President Mike Pence won’t be on the ticket.
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There are still plenty of options for the twice-impeached former president. Even as he has lost some of his luster Trump maintains a number of high-profile supporters.
Here is a short list of who could be on the ticket:
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
Topping nearly every list would be Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s most vocal supporters. The CrossFit gym owner turned legislator has no committee assignments, and a lack of experience in domestic or foreign policy – yet that could be perfect for Trump, who likely doesn’t want a more seasoned partner.
Though described as “unflaggingly loyal” to the former president that alone might not be enough for the party to back her as a running mate. MTG reportedly told The New York Times Magazine reporter Robert Draper that she wouldn’t expect the GOP establishment to support her, stating, “I think the last person that the RNC or the national party wants is me as his running mate.”
Yet, MTG easily won reelection and she could be seen as crucial to turning Georgia red again after Hershel Walker fumbled his senate race last month.
Rep. Elise Stefanik
Another Trump loyalist, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is now in her fifth term representing the North Country in Upstate New York. She had endorsed Trump for 2024, even before he officially announced his campaign. She was also re-elected GOP conference chair.
“It’s very clear President Trump is the leader of the Republican party,” Stefanik said in a statement in November. “It is time for Republicans to unite around the most popular Republican in America, who has a proven track record of conservative governance.”
Even as her star is rising, Stefanik isn’t well-known on the national stage. That could be as much a pro as a con, however, and while she won’t likely put New York in play in the general election, she would still make any Democrat think twice about taking the Empire State for granted.
(Not) Governor Kari Lake
Had the former television news anchor won Arizona’s gubernatorial election to Katie Hobbs – who became the first Democrat to be elected governor in the battleground state since Janet Napolitano in 2006 – Kari Lake would have been the odds-on favorite for Trump’s running mate. Even in defeat, which Lake still refuses to concede, she could be enough of a force to turn Arizona red again.
Or, alternatively, she could be divisive enough to ensure the purple state turns a deeper shade of blue. In other words, Lake is too much of a wild card at this point – but her loyalty and refusal to concede may play into her favor.
General Michael Flynn
No “military man” has reached the White House without serving in another public office since Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Yet, Gen. Michael Flynn, U.S. Army (Retired) rose to fame in conservative circles after he endorsed Trump in 2016.
He was awarded – albeit briefly – the post of national security adviser. Despite being fired, and pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with the ambassador of Russia, he remained loyal to his former boss.
A presidential pardon will do that.
Flynn had also called for Donald Trump to declare martial law following the 2020 election. He is beyond loyal, but he would likely bring as much controversy as votes for Donald Trump.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Two other names making the shortlist for a potential Donald Trump VP include Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who won the Arkansas gubernatorial race in November, and Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and former UN ambassador.
Sanders served as Trump’s press secretary, andshe actually won her election, unlike Lake. Being a governor has been seen as a stepping stone to the executive branch. The question is whether she’d sit out 2024 and look to 2028.
The same is also true of Haley, who has reportedly been considering a White House run. She has pledged to back Donald Trump, and has even said she’d sit it out should he run. More importantly, Haley could be enough of a moderate for the GOP establishment, yet. the final question is whether Haley would want to be tied to Donald Trump.
Author Experience and Expertise: A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
