A former campaign adviser to former President Donald Trump said former First Lady Melania Trump could play a key role in President Trump’s selection of a running mate.
David Urban mentioned Melania on Friday when asked by CNN’s Erin Burnett who he thought would have the “biggest influence” on the former president’s running mate selection. The CNN host noted that businessman Rupert Murdoch, conservative pundit Tucker Carlson and Fox News host Sean Hannity were among those who have made their preferences known.
“Melania Trump. His wife! You want to know who Melania likes, right? “This is probably his closest adviser,” Urban told Barnett. The top contenders for the vice presidential post included Vance (R-Ohio), Gov. Doug Burgum (R-N.D.) and Sen.
Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The former first lady “has a lot of influence over her husband,” Urban noted in comments picked up by Mediaite, adding that because she “has been with these people” she has informed suggestions about the best running mate for her husband.
“It’ll be interesting to see who she likes,” Urban said.
Reported vice presidential contenders include Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), along with other potential vice presidential contenders. Byron Donald (R-FL).
As the upcoming Republican National Convention approaches, there is increasing conversation about who President Trump’s running mate will be. President Trump said earlier this month that he would likely announce his running mate at the party’s convention in Milwaukee in July.
In 2016, then-candidate Trump announced former Vice President Mike Pence as his running mate just days before the convention.