President Donald Trump hinted that his potential vice-presidential pick might have been present during his meetings with House and Senate Republicans on Thursday. This visit marks Trump’s first time near the Capitol since the January 6 riots and his first face-to-face encounter with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in several years. The relationship between Trump and McConnell has been strained, particularly following Trump’s rejection of the 2020 election results.
The meetings were part of the GOP’s strategy sessions as they plan an ambitious legislative agenda should Trump be re-elected and the party gains control of both the House and Senate. Among the names speculated for Trump’s vice-presidential shortlist are Representatives Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), along with Senators JD Vance (R-Ohio), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
Trump has announced that he will officially reveal his vice-presidential choice at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month. This announcement is highly anticipated as it will shape the GOP ticket for the upcoming election and potentially influence the party’s legislative focus moving forward.