Trump announces JD Vance as running mate

(The Hill) — Former President Donald Trump has made his vice presidential selection: JD Vance, the junior Republican senator from Ohio. 

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, saying, "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio."

"J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association," Trump continued. "J.D.’s book, 'Hillbilly Elegy,' became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country. J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond…."

In a follow up post, Trump continued: "….As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Congratulations to Senator J.D. Vance, his wife, Usha, who also graduated from Yale Law School, and their three beautiful children. MAGA2024!"

Vance, 39, is significantly younger than most of the other Republicans who’ve been mentioned as possibilities for the ticket, including Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

Burgum and Rubio were informed Monday that they were not selected, The Hill previously reported.

Vance is perhaps most ideologically aligned with the former president and would energize his base. He has served in the Senate for less than two years.

He is now expected to speak at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday.

Trump told Fox News anchor Bret Baier in a phone interview Monday morning that he would announce his running mate on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin. Trump aides had suggested the former president and his running mate could make an appearance on stage Monday evening.

Vance and Rubio were thought to have separated themselves from the pack. Vance, in particular, has multiple high-profile boosters in the former president’s orbit, including Donald Trump Jr. 

Law enforcement was stationed outside Vance's home in Ohio on Sunday night, further fueling speculation he could be the choice.

The importance of Trump's running mate was put into focus over the weekend after an assassination attempt left Trump bloodied after a bullet grazed his ear.

Trump was formally nominated at the convention on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.