Donald Trump is narrowing his running mate choices, and the business world ties of some top candidates are helping them rise on his list. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum are leading examples of this dynamic, as both have spent more time in the private sector than in politics, making them valuable bridges between the Trump operation and industries like Silicon Valley and energy.
Both Vance and Burgum have been able to overcome past criticism of Trump to gain entry into his orbit this year, with various veepstakes tallies consistently putting them near the top of the list. Other candidates like Sens. Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, who have less direct business world experience, are also in the mix.
Vance, known for authoring the memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” has leveraged his venture capitalist background to help orchestrate a Silicon Valley fundraiser for Trump, while Burgum’s connections in the energy industry have deepened ties between Trump’s campaign and key figures like Harold Hamm.
As Trump continues to tease the VP selection process, with plans to announce during the Republican convention in July, the list of contenders could change quickly. Other candidates like Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty have also emerged as surprise contenders, adding to the intrigue of Trump’s decision-making process.
With the business world playing a significant role in shaping Trump’s VP choices, the final selection is sure to have a major impact on the campaign and potentially on the future of American politics. Stay tuned for updates as the veepstakes continue to unfold.