Trump name-drops 2 potential GOP running mates, breaks silence on claims of approaching RFK Jr.

Ex-US President Donald Trump stoked rumours about his choice for running mate in the 2024 presidential elections by dropping the names of two top Republicans.

Updated on: Feb 5, 2024, 18:02:35 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Former US President Donald Trump stoked rumours about his pick for running mate in the 2024 presidential elections by dropping the names of two top Republicans.

During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartirom, Trump was asked who would be his pick for vice-president. “Well, I have a lot of good people. I have a lot of good ideas,” he said, while mentioning South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

The Republican frontrunner went on to say that he talks to "everyone" for the potential post and revealed that he recently had discussion with Tim Scott, who endorsed Trump after withdrawing his presidential run last year.

Also Read: ‘I am flattered’: RFK Jr. reacts to speculation about Trump's running mate in 2024 election

"You know, I called [South Carolina Sen.] Tim Scott and people like Tim Scott, and I said you're a much better candidate for me than you are for yourself," Trump stated. “When I watched him, he was fine. He was good, but he was very low-key.”

Moving forward, Trump hailed Kristi Noem who has "been incredible fighting" for him, citing her declaration that she would never run against him "because [she] can't beat him."

The ex-US president was further asked about the criteria he is following to select his vice-president. "Always, it's got to be who is going to be a good president. Obviously, you always have to think that because in case of emergency. Things happen, right? No matter who you are, things happen. That's got to be No. 1," he said.

Also Read: ‘I just love you’: Who is Tim Scott who can't get over Donald Trump

Trump rejects reports that he approached Kennedy Jr for running-mate

Following Trump's stunning victories in the Iowa and New Hampshire Republican primaries, there has been much conjecture about who he could choose as vice president. He even holds an overwhelming lead over his Republican rival former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Meanwhile, the ex-US president refuted reports that his team had contacted independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss the possibility of his running-mate. According to Trump, the discussion "never happened."

This comes after Kennedy Jr. claimed that the Republican frontrunner's campaign reached out to him regarding potential vice president position.

Some of the other names that have surfaced as potential running mate of Trump include New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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