Former President Trump hosted a private lunch event at his Mar-a-Lago resort over the weekend. The event was attended by top GOP donors and high-profile party leaders, and it was seen as an audition for Trump’s potential vice presidential running mate.
The guest list included several individuals rumored to be on Trump’s shortlist, such as Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).
Donald Trump (Credits: ABC News – The Walt Disney Company)
The event began with a welcome reception hosted by Stefanik, Lara Trump, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Friday. Trump reportedly called some of the potential VP candidates to the stage, excluding Noem, who left early.
Trump praised Stefanik as “an amazing talent” and commended Rubio for doing a great job. Other known attendees included Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mike Lee (R-UT), Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), and Michael Waltz (R-FL), as well as Senate candidates Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
Trump (Credits: AOL)
During the event, Trump criticized President Biden and compared the current administration to the Nazi Gestapo. He stated, “These people are running a Gestapo administration…
And it’s the only thing they have. And it’s the only way they’re going to win in their opinion.” The event was seen as an opportunity for Trump to assess potential running mates and solidify support among top GOP donors and leaders.
