Former President Donald Trump made a confident declaration at a Minnesota GOP dinner, stating that he will win the state and expand the electoral map. Despite no Republican candidate winning Minnesota since 1972, Trump contested that he had won the state in both 2016 and 2020, despite losing by margins of 1.5% and 7.1% respectively. Trump had previously vowed not to return to the state if he lost in 2020, but his recent visit contradicted that statement.
During the dinner, Trump asserted that recent polls showed him either tied or ahead of President Joe Biden in the state. He expressed his certainty that the people of Minnesota will reject Biden in the upcoming election. However, a SurveyUSA poll of likely voters showed Trump trailing Biden by 2 points, and the Cook Political Report labeled Minnesota as “likely Democrat.”
Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, who spoke before Trump at the event, is rumored to be a potential vice presidential pick. Trump hinted at his vice presidential search, suggesting that Burgum could be a contender. Despite the speculation, Trump did not mention any other potential candidates, but Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is considered a favorite for the position.
The former president also mentioned his upcoming appearance at a National Rifle Association Leadership Forum in Dallas, where he may receive the group’s endorsement. Trump currently holds a one-point lead over Biden in the national polling average as of May 17.
