Trump Says He's Decided on His Running Mate
The Facts
During a campaign stop in Philadelphia, Pa., former US Pres. Donald Trump told NBC News that he has decided who his pick for vice president (VP) will be. He added that "nobody knows" who he has chosen.
Trump told reporters he had not yet informed his running mate, but he said his choice would likely be present at the first presidential debate on Thursday. "They'll be there," he said, adding, "I think we have a lot of people coming."
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
There's a great deal of intrigue surrounding the upcoming presidential debate thanks to former President Trump. In addition to rumored VP candidates like Tim Scott and JD Vance, the media has also been buzzing with potential options who have more bipartisan cross-over appeal and could lean into the niche Nikki Haley carved during the primary. Trump has made a bold decision in his mind, and American voters can look forward to exciting news with the debate and GOP convention just around the corner.
Anti-Trump narrative
After Mike Pence chose loyalty to the Constitution over Trump's authoritarianism in 2020, Donald Trump will be looking for someone who won't fight his autocratic tendencies. Trump's vice presidential candidate will likely be someone who dangerously downplayed the Jan. 6 insurrection and has America First impulses. It's looking likely that whoever the former president picks will be unwelcome news for the American public.
