Former President Donald Trump has reportedly labeled New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik as “a killer,” sparking intense speculation about his potential running mate for the 2024 presidential race. The buzz intensified following Trump’s resounding victory in the Iowa caucuses.
Sources revealed to NBC News that Trump discussed his options for a vice-president during a meeting in Florida last month. Stefanik, a 39-year-old Harvard-educated former moderate, has gained prominence in House leadership while maintaining a staunchly pro-Trump stance. Notably, she recently grilled Ivy League university leaders over alleged antisemitism, a hearing that preceded the resignations of two college presidents.
“She’s a killer,” Trump reportedly remarked about Stefanik, endorsing her candidacy. Steve Bannon, the far-right activist and close Trump ally, confirmed to NBC News that Stefanik was “at the top” of the running-mate race.
A Republican campaign operative emphasized Trump’s priority for loyalty, particularly in light of his perception of Mike Pence‘s betrayal. Pence, Trump’s former vice-president, faced criticism for refusing to block the certification of election results in key states. Witnesses to the House January 6 committee recounted Trump stating that Pence “deserved” the fate of the Capitol mob that chased him on January 6, 2021.
Stefanik, currently campaigning with Trump in New Hampshire ahead of its primary, refrained from divulging details about her conversations with the former president. “I’m honored to call him a friend. I’m proud to be the first member of Congress to have endorsed his re-election,” she told NBC News.
Trump, facing legal challenges and civil lawsuits, including 91 criminal charges, remains a formidable contender. Despite the hurdles, he dominated in Iowa and is anticipated to perform well in New Hampshire, where he faces a strong challenge from Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina.
Haley, subject to her own share of speculation, is seen as a potential running mate. However, Trump-adjacent sources conveyed reservations about the idea. Far-right Florida congressman Matt Gaetz expressed concerns, calling Haley an “establishment neocon fantasy” and a “Maga nightmare.” Gaetz suggested that she would undermine Trump’s agenda from the vice-president’s residence.
Donald Trump Jr echoed these sentiments, opposing Haley due to her alleged inclination towards involvement in global conflicts. South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, once a critic turned ardent ally of Trump, stated that while Trump might consider Haley if it helps him win, accumulating “scar tissue” over time makes it less likely.
When asked about the possibility of joining Trump’s ticket, Haley scorned the question but refrained from ruling it out entirely.
As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, the spotlight remains on Trump’s potential running mate, with Elise Stefanik emerging as a front-runner and stirring further intrigue in political circles.
