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President Trump held a private luncheon over the weekend at Mar-a-Lago as the hunt for his running mate is now in full swing.
Axios reported excerpts from an audio recording during the gathering, which featured real-time comments from the 45th president about his top vice-presidential contenders in attendance.
Trump had nothing negative to say about any of the attendees, but his comments provided a window into his thoughts.
Per Axios, he enthusiastically stated that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s name was “coming up a lot for vice president!” Trump remarked that Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., “did a good job” during his presidential candidacy, “but as a surrogate he’s unbelievable.”
Both lawmakers have a unique ability to rake in donations, according to Axios. The outlet previously reported that Rubio “has deep ties with GOP donors – including some Trump skeptics,” and revealed that he had “impressed some Republicans” close to Trump “with his sober defense of him on TV.”
Trump said that Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, “wasn’t a supporter of mine at the very beginning,” recalling one particularly negative comment from the past. Trump reportedly said, “I got to know him a little bit…As a non politician, he’s become one of the great senators.”
Vance has defended Trump on TV, even during appearances on left-leaning outlets, and has proven to be an America First lawmaker. During a recent interview on CNN, Vance blasted the “bogus case against Donald Trump” currently being tried in New York City. He told host Kaitlan Collins that the prosecutions against Trump “is a real threat to Americans’ trust in the legal system.”
President Trump spoke personally about Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, stating, “I love your haircut! … And he’s a good man too.” Lee’s current senate term is not up until 2029, meaning he would need to resign his seat if Trump chooses him as a running mate.
The outlet reported that Trump compared Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., to “the energizer bunny.” He stated that she would “go from stop to stop to stop” during her 2018 senate campaign. Blackburn has remained steadfast in her commitment to America First policies and frequently defends Trump during Senate proceedings.
The 45th president admitted that he did not know that North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum supported both of his presidential campaigns and remarked, “He’s a very rich man.” Axios reported that Burgum was “quickly moving up the list of possible vice presidential picks” due to his popularity among establishment Republicans.
When asked about South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump reportedly said, “Somebody that I love. She’s been with me, a supporter of mine and I’ve been a supporter of hers for a long time.” Noem has faced scrutiny in recent days over controversial material found within her new book, which could hurt her chances for the VP spot.
Trump described Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., as, “A very smart person. She was in update New York when I met her…little did we realize she would be such a big factor.” Stefanik has gone to bat for Trump on multiple occasions and has never backed down from establishment pressure to distance herself from him.
President Trump said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is “somebody who’s created something very special politically.” He added, “I like diversity. Diversité as you would say. I like diversité.” He pointed out that Republican megadonors “all want a piece of Byron,” per Axios.
He also made positive remarks about Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla.
