Who will Donald Trump choose as his running mate?
Donald Trump needs to choose a running mate for the 2024 election, and rumour has it he’s treating it like his old TV show: The Apprentice.
After a rather high-profile falling out with Mike Pence, the Republican nominee is deciding who could be his next vice president.
He is expected to reveal his choice at the Republican National Convention next month.
Let’s take a look at who the candidates are… and why each of one might hear those famous words: “You’re hired!”.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is seen as a frontrunner. Pic: AP
Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum hoped his small-town values would appeal to Republican voters enough to choose him as the presidential nominee. It didn’t work, but does it make him an appealing pick for VP?
The 67-year-old former software company executive has stressed his humble origins and previously said the next US president should be “someone who’s held jobs where you shower at the end of the day, not at the beginning”.
You’re hired: Burgum might be a safe pair of hands due to his experience in the worlds of politics and business, and his independent wealth (north of $100m) could be useful campaign funds.
You’re fired: North Dakota is as red as they come, so picking Burgum doesn’t come with the advantage of moving the dial in a swing state.
Marco Rubio at an event for Donald Trump’s birthday. Pic: AP
Marco Rubio
One of Florida’s two Republican senators, Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants who fled to Miami during the Batista dictatorship.
He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but dropped out after losing the Florida primary to Trump, who relentlessly mocked him as “Little Marco”.
You’re hired: He brings strong foreign policy credentials, having served on the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence committees, and has a track record of attracting Latino voters.
You’re fired: Rubio has drawn criticism from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement in the past for his immigration reform legislation which could pose a problem for him, even though he has since renounced his own deal. There’s also the wrinkle that the US constitution appears to possibly prohibit Electoral College electors from voting for inhabitants of their states for both president and vice president.
JD Vance is senator for Ohio. Pic: AP
JD Vance
A US Marines veteran, JD Vance rose to become senator for Ohio after growing up in poverty.
He once described himself as a “never Trumper” but has since U-turned into being a reliable supporter of The Donald, even attending court in New York to support him at his hush money trial.
You’re hired: Vance aligns with Trump’s populist mindset and would likely be palatable to the MAGA base – perhaps even as a potential successor one day.
You’re fired: Ohio hasn’t voted Democrat since 2012 so appointing Vance likely doesn’t give Trump a second-in-command pick who could help get him over the line in a swing state.
Donald Trump and Tim Scott earlier this year. Pic: AP
Tim Scott
The only black Republican US senator, Tim Scott launched a bid to become the Republican presidential nominee but later withdrew from the race.
He has since been name-dropped by Trump himself as a possible vice presidential pick.
Scott has accused President Joe Biden and “the radical left” of “attacking every rung of the ladder that helped me climb”.
You’re hired: Scott is seen as a potential asset to Trump both on a policy front and in helping to cut Democratic margins, particularly with Black and Hispanic male voters.
You’re fired: Scott has been outspoken about his support for a federal abortion ban in the aftermath of the fall of Roe v Wade, whereas Trump has said the decision should be left to individual states.
Byron Donalds was born in New York City. Pic: AP
Byron Donalds
In terms of having a similar name to Trump, Byron Donalds certainly has the edge over the other potential VP candidates.
Donalds, 45, is a congressman from Florida who has been a supporter of the former president since he entered Congress. He voted against the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania and is a 2020 election denier.
You’re hired: Donalds is a strong debater with experience on TV who could help the Trump campaign reach out to black voters.
You’re fired: Donalds has a limited national profile and could face a similar constitutional predicament as Marco Rubio as he also lives in Florida.
Elise Stefanik’s profile has grown within the Republican party. Pic: AP
Elise Stefanik
A Republican congresswoman from New York, Elise Stefanik’s profile has been on the rise in the GOP (Grand Old Party) for years.
She shot to fame after her questioning of university presidents about antisemitism led to a huge outcry and fallout. In May, she addressed the Knesset in Israel and lambasted the Biden administration’s approach to its ally.
You’re hired: One of the few women thought to be on the VP shortlist, Stefanik could help shore up Trump’s support among female and suburban voters as well as bring youth to the ticket.
You’re fired: Stefanik hails from New York, a solidly blue state, so her inclusion on the ticket is unlikely to help bring more Electoral College votes to Trump’s side.
Ben Carson speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference. Pic: AP
Ben Carson
Ben Carson, 72, served in Trump’s administration last time around as secretary for housing and urban development.
His time in government came after he briefly ran for the Republican nomination in 2016 before eventually pulling out of the race and endorsing Trump.
You’re hired: Carson hails from Michigan, a battleground state that is likely to be among the most crucial races to watch on election night.
You’re fired: Though well-known, if Trump is looking for an attack dog VP then Carson might not be the right candidate. He’s not considered to be the most outspoken or charismatic pick.
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Less likely – Marjorie Taylor-Greene
A Republican congresswoman known for her embrace of conspiracy theories and fierce support for Trump, Marjorie Taylor-Greene nonetheless could make sense as a running mate for her political hero.
However, she is not believed to be on the list of candidates being vetted by the Trump campaign.
She was elected to Congress in 2020 and quickly became a powerful – and vocal – player in the Republican Party.
If he’s still in post after a hypothetical Trump/MTG win, it would be an awkward appointment for the UK foreign secretary, Lord Cameron, whom Taylor-Greene had choice words for…
You’re hired: Taylor-Greene is staunchly loyal to Trump and popular among the MAGA right-wing of the Republican Party.
You’re fired: She’s a divisive figure nationwide and has been criticised for her – sometimes bizarre – outbursts, including talk of “Jewish space lasers”.
Kristi Noem speaks at a rally in March. Pic: AP
Less likely – Kristi Noem
The current governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem also has experience as a former member of Congress.
Her profile grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when she declined to close businesses and public spaces in her state to limit the spread of the virus. But it was in 2024 when she became even more well-known… after describing an incident of killing her dog in her own memoir.
As time has gone on she appears to be an increasingly unlikely choice for VP.
You’re hired: Noem brings experience as a state governor and fits in with Trump’s MAGA crowd.
You’re fired: She has been a supporter of the abortion restrictions in her state, where there is a near-total ban except when necessary to save the life of the mother. This hardline stance could make her a liability in a general election where public support for abortion access is high.
Nikki Haley has been ruled out already. Pic: AP
Already ruled out – Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley ran against Trump in the contest to secure the Republican nomination earlier this year. She weathered a string of defeats in various states before eventually suspending her campaign.
Nonetheless, she demonstrated that a significant proportion of Republican voters prefer her to Trump’s band of MAGA politics, perhaps setting the stage for a return in 2028 and beyond.
Trump has already ruled her out, and she’d be unlikely to accept even if he hadn’t. But just for fun:
You’re hired: She’s a strong politician with a track record of winning elections, and appeals to more moderate Republicans who might be nervous about another Trump presidency. But…
You’re fired: Haley is a critic of Trump, who she described as “unhinged” and too chaotic and divisive to be an effective president.
Elon Musk has said he is committed to remaining as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five years, as the electric carmaker faces pressure from consumers and the stock market over his work with Donald Trump’s government.
The world’s richest man said he will cut back on political spending after heavily backing the US president last year.
During a video appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum hosted by Bloomberg, a moderator asked: “Do you see yourself and are you committed to still being the chief executive of Tesla in five years’ time?”
Musk responded: “Yes.”
The moderator added: “No doubt about that at all?”
Musk chuckled and replied: “I can’t be still here if I’m dead.”
Tesla has borne the brunt of the outrage against Musk over his work with Mr Trump as part of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which implemented cuts across the US federal government.
Asked if the reaction made him think twice about his involvement in politics, Musk said: “I did what needed to be done.
“I’m not someone who has ever committed violence and yet massive violence was committed against my companies, massive violence was threatened against me.”
He added: “Don’t worry: We’re coming for you.”
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Musk pulls back from D.O.G.E. role
Musk spent at least 250 million dollars (£187m) supporting Mr Trump in the presidential campaign, and even held some of his own campaign rallies.
“I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Mr Musk said. Asked why, he responded: “I think I’ve done enough.”
And he added: “Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I do not currently see a reason.”
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It comes after a Tesla pay package Musk was due, once valued at $56bn (£41.8bn) was stopped by a judge in Delaware.
Musk referred to chancellor Kathaleen St Jude McCormick as an “activist who is cosplaying a judge in a Halloween costume”.
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But he acknowledged his Tesla pay was part of his consideration about staying with Tesla, though he also wanted “sufficient voting control” so he “cannot be ousted by activist investors”.
“It’s not a money thing, it’s a reasonable control thing over the future of the company, especially if we’re building millions, potentially billions of humanoid robots,” he added.
Donald Trump has announced the concept for his Golden Dome missile defence system – which includes plans for the US put weapons in space for the first time.
The “cutting-edge missile defence system” will include “space-based sensors and interceptors”, Mr Trump said, adding the Golden Dome “should be fully operational by the end of my term”.
The system – styled on Israel’s Iron Dome – will be able to detect and stop missiles at all points of attack, from before launch to when they are descending towards a target, the Trump administration has said.
Making the announcement in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Mr Trump told reporters the Golden Dome will be “capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from the other side of the world”.
The US president also said Canada “has called us and they want to be part of it”. “As usual, we help Canada as best we can,” he said.
Trump was flanked by two Golden Dome posters. Pic: AP
He has also pledged that the entire system to be built within the United States. Manufacturers in Georgia, Alaska, Florida and Indiana will all be heavily involved in the project, Mr Trump said.
General Michael Guetlein, who currently serves as the vice chief of space operations, will oversee the Golden Dome’s progress.
The space weapons “represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organizations,” General Chance Saltzman, the head of the US Space Force, said at a hearing Tuesday.
Defence secretary Pete Hegseth joined the president for the announcement. Pic: AP
How much will the Golden Dome cost?
Mr Trump said he has allocated $25bn “to help get construction under way,” which he described as an initial down payment.
The total cost will be “about $175bn”, the US president added – but the Congressional Budget Office has put the price much higher.
The space-based components alone could cost as much as $542bn (£405bn) over the next 20 years, it estimated earlier this month.
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Mr Trump’s announcement came shortly after the newly confirmed US Air Force secretary said there’s currently no money allocated for the Golden Dome.
The programme is “still in the conceptual stage,” Troy Meink told senators today.
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