Series of Support Press Conferences Held at Manhattan Courthouse
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is currently on trial over a 'sexual misconduct hush money' case, and his running mate (vice presidential) candidates appear to be competing for loyalty by visiting the courtroom one after another, NBC reported on the 15th (local time).
According to the report, Republican Senator J.D. Vance (Ohio), Representative Byron Donalds (Florida), Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and former presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, all classified as potential Republican vice presidential candidates, have consecutively visited the Manhattan courthouse in New York State where Trump's trial is underway.
Senator Vance, who visited the courthouse on the 13th, held an impromptu press conference in front of the court, raising his voice to say, "This trial is completely ridiculous." While he criticized the presiding judge, Judge Juan Merchan, and his family, he also defended former President Trump through social media.
The next day, Governor Burgum, former candidate Ramaswamy, and Representative Donalds, who accompanied former President Trump to the trial, also voiced their support for Trump. Governor Burgum cited polls showing Trump leading President Joe Biden, stating, "The American people have already acquitted former President Trump." Former candidate Ramaswamy also raised his voice, saying, "The prosecution's main strategy is to intimidate the jurors."
As former President Trump is incurring legal expenses related to the trial, the fundraising ability of these potential candidates is emerging as an important capability. Some candidates plan to attend large fundraising events held in Manhattan with former President Trump.
Although the competition among potential running mates for the position is fierce, it remains unclear when former President Trump will nominate his vice presidential candidate. NBC cited multiple sources saying that the Trump campaign is still in the early stages of vetting vice presidential candidates.
Former President Trump himself recently stated in a media interview that "I may not announce the final running mate until after the Republican National Convention concludes in mid-July."
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