In a surprise move, former President Donald Trump revealed his running mate for the 2024 election at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday. Trump announced that he has chosen U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) to join him on the ticket, bringing an end to the veepstakes and solidifying the GOP ticket ahead of November’s election.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting Vance’s impressive credentials, including his military service, academic achievements, and business success. The post also praised Vance’s book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which became a bestseller and was adapted into a movie:
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. 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… 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!
– Donald J. Trump
The selection of Vance was kept under wraps until just before the announcement, with Trump reportedly finalizing his decision as late as 2:00 p.m. ET on Monday. Even as of midday, potential VP picks Doug Burgum, Marco Rubio, and Glenn Youngkin were in Milwaukee, unaware of their fate.
Throughout the day, contenders were individually informed that they had not been selected as Trump’s running mate, with Rubio and Burgum being the first to be ruled out. Vance will address the country from the convention stage on Wednesday, followed by Trump’s closing address on Thursday.
