Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has begun the process of formally requesting information from a small handful of potential running mates, ABC News has learned, marking a significant escalation in the process that will result in Trump choosing a candidate for vice president.
Among those who have been asked by the campaign for vetting paperwork include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sens. Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance, sources tell ABC News. The quiet outreach by campaign officials intensified last month, while Trump was consumed with his criminal hush-money trial, the sources said.
Others are likely to be considered for the No. 2 job, but the initial asks reflect who tops Trump’s list at this point. Campaign officials say the final decision will be Trump’s.
“Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump,” said Brian Hughes, a senior adviser for the Trump campaign.
Trump campaign officials have also requested information from Sen. Tim Scott, Reps. Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik and Ben Carson, sources said. But it’s unclear how extensive the requests were.
Representatives for Burgum and Vance did not respond to ABC’s request for comment. Sen. Rubio denied that he had received any reach out from Trump campaign officials.
“I haven’t talked to them about vice president,” Rubio told ABC’s Rachel Scott on Wednesday.
Gov. Doug Burgum, R-N.D., Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Reuters/Getty Images
While the former president hasn’t yet indicated who he will pick to be his vice president, he has said he plans to make his announcement closer to the Republican National Convention, which is in July.
Over the past few weeks, those under consideration as a possible vice president for Trump have increased their public profile by appearing on cable networks, defending the former president during his hush-money trial and with some even making an appearance at court with Trump.
Burgum was the only known potential veepstakes contender to appear at the courthouse during jury deliberations for Trump’s criminal trial, which happened only after Trump campaign representatives asked him to provide background information to be considered in the running-mate search.
Last week, following television appearances outside the courthouse, Burgum joined Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., as the jury deliberated. Two hours later, Trump was convicted.
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Burgum’s appearance signaled a sign of loyalty in the next initial steps and strength as a partner through tumultuous waters.
Gov. Doug Burgum, R-N.D., listens as former President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media at New York State Supreme Court, amid Trump’s criminal trial, May 14, 2024, in New York.
Justin Lane/Reuters
Vance also appeared as a surrogate at the courthouse in Manhattan on May 13.
Often asked about the possibility of serving as vice president under Trump, Burgum, Rubio and Vance have often deflected answering the question head-on, but have said they would do what the Trump campaign asked of them, which has included being campaign surrogates and raising money for the former president’s campaign.
Discussions have taken place with the Rubio team about how to address the constitutional issue that may prevent residents from the same state from being on the same presidential ticket — including the possibility of the Florida senator relocating for the role, sources said.
When recently asked on NBC if he wanted the job of vice president, Rubio said, “I’ll do whatever the campaign asked me to do.”
During a phone interview on Newsmax on Tuesday night, Trump was asked if he were close to making a decision on picking a running mate and complemented Vance, Rubio and Burgum.
“I thought Tim Scott didn’t run as good of a race as he’s capable of running for himself, but as a surrogate for me, he’s unbelievable. He’s been incredible,” Trump said.
“Gov. Burgum from North Dakota has been incredible. Marco Rubio has been great. J.D. Vance has been great. We’ve had so many great people out there.”
ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa contributed to this report.
As the 2024 presidential election cycle begins to heat up, the Trump team has reportedly requested documents from several potential vice presidential contenders. Among those asked to submit materials are North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
The request for documents is a standard part of the vetting process for potential vice presidential candidates. The Trump team is likely looking to gather information on the contenders’ backgrounds, experience, and qualifications in order to make an informed decision on who would be the best fit for the role.
Governor Burgum, a Republican who has been in office since 2016, has been praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota. He has also been a vocal supporter of President Trump and his policies, making him a potentially strong choice for the vice presidential slot.
Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik is a controversial figure who served as the city’s top cop during the 9/11 attacks. He has been a staunch supporter of President Trump and has been rumored to be under consideration for a role in his administration.
Senator Marco Rubio, who ran against Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, has since become a close ally of the president. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s policies and has worked closely with the administration on issues such as immigration and foreign policy.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately be chosen as Trump’s running mate in 2024, but the request for documents from these three contenders suggests that they are being seriously considered for the role. As the vetting process continues, more information is likely to come to light about each candidate’s qualifications and potential strengths and weaknesses as a vice presidential pick.
