Trump’s next vice president needs to be strong, smart and fearless. Just like him.
On Monday, Former President Trump hinted that the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate could help him in his decision-making process for selecting a vice presidential running mate.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his desire to observe the candidates’ performances during the debate to aid him in potential considerations for the Vice President position.
In transcript provided by Fox, Trump explained, “Let them debate so I can see who I MIGHT consider for Vice President!”
Despite leading the GOP primary field, Trump has yet to confirm his participation in the debate scheduled for the end of the month.
According to the latest New York Times/Siena College poll, Trump is currently ahead with 54% support, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 17%. Former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott, former Ambassador Nikki Haley are all tied at 3%, while entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie stand at 2%.
The Republican National Committee has set specific criteria for candidates to qualify for the debate stage. They must either reach 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and two state-specific polls from early voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. The polls must be recognized by the RNC and conducted on or after July 1.
In addition to the polling requirements, candidates must have 40,000 unique donors to their campaign committee, with at least 200 unique donors per state or territory in 20 or more states and/or territories.
Trump has comfortably met both the polling and fundraising thresholds. As of last week, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Christie, DeSantis, Haley, Ramaswamy, and Scott have also reached these criteria.
However, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson met the polling requirements but not the fundraising requirements by that time.
The RNC mandates that candidates must disclose their fundraising figures at least 48 hours before the first debate.