Trump's VP Options

• Job Title: United States Senator from South Carolina
• Years Active in Politics: 1995-present
• Age: 58

Tim Scott, a prominent Republican, has served as a United States senator from South Carolina since 2013. Prior to this, he held roles as a Charleston city councilor and state representative. Scott's ascent from poverty to politics resonates with many. 
 

He briefly pursued the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but suspended his campaign due to low polling. As a ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, his experience in financial services adds depth to his political career. Scott's conservative values and compelling story make him a strong contender for Trump's VP pick.

• Job Title: Former United States Representative from Hawaii
• Years Active in Politics: 2002-present
• Age: 43

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate, gained attention for her unorthodox views, particularly on foreign policy. As a U.S. Army Reserve officer and politician, she served as Hawaii's congresswoman and was the first Samoan-American in Congress. 
 

Gabbard's military service in Iraq and Kuwait informs her stance against military interventionism. Despite initial Democratic ties, she criticized the party's foreign policy. She endorsed Bernie Sanders and later Joe Biden. Post-congressional term, she shifted towards conservative positions in 2022. Her willingness to challenge establishment norms could appeal to segments of Trump's base seeking a fresh perspective.

• Job Title: Governor of South Dakota
• Years Active in Politics: 2007-present
• Age: 52

Kristi Noem, known for her staunch conservatism and hands-on governance, has sparked both praise and criticism. Her recent controversies, including writing about shooting her dog in her book, No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move American Forward, highlight her stance on Second Amendment rights. 
 

Serving as South Dakota's governor since 2019, she previously held congressional and state legislative positions. Endorsed by President Trump in 2018, she gained national attention for resisting COVID-19 mask mandates. As the state's first female governor, Noem's political trajectory reflects her commitment to conservative values and resistance to government overreach.

• Job Title: United States Senator from Ohio
• Years Active in Politics: 2023-present, gained prominence through his book and commentary
• Age: 39

JD Vance, best known for his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," offers a unique perspective on issues affecting working-class Americans. While relatively new to the political arena, his compelling personal story and conservative viewpoints could resonate with Trump's base.

Despite initial criticism of Trump, going as far as becoming a member of the Never Trump movement, he changed his rhetoric after announcing his candidacy for the Senate. Vance now aligns closely with the former president's agenda.

• Job Title: United States Representative from New York
• Years Active in Politics: 2015-present
• Age: 39

Elise Stefanik, the U.S. representative for New York's 21st congressional district, has ascended within the Republican Party for her support of Trump, notably during his impeachment.
 

Serving as the House Republican Conference chair since 2021, she's the fourth-ranking House Republican. Initially a moderate, Stefanik shifted right, backing Trump and opposing his impeachment. She gained notoriety for grilling university presidents on antisemitism in a televised hearing, potentially contributing to one president's resignation. Stefanik's youth and vigor could invigorate Trump's campaign.

• Job Title: Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Years Active in Politics: 2017-present
• Age: 70

Ben Carson's background as a renowned neurosurgeon and his subsequent foray into politics have made him a recognizable figure within conservative circles. While his soft-spoken demeanor contrasts with Trump's bombastic style, his loyalty to the former president remains unwavering.

Carson's pioneering work in neurosurgery includes separating conjoined twins and performing groundbreaking procedures on fetuses. He gained political attention after critiquing Obama's policies, later running for president in 2016. Though unsuccessful, he endorsed Trump and served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Carson's accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and over 100 neurosurgical publications.

• Job Title: Entrepreneur and Politician
• Years Active in Politics: 2023-present, gained prominence through his activism and commentary
• Age: 38

Vivek Ramaswamy's outspoken criticism of woke culture and progressive policies has earned him a following among conservatives disillusioned with mainstream politics. His business success and willingness to challenge establishment narratives could make him an appealing VP pick for Trump.

Despite suspending his 2024 presidential campaign after Iowa's caucuses, his sharp critiques of "new secular religions" and ESG initiatives resonate with many. Born to Indian immigrants in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy graduated from Harvard and Yale Law School. His net worth, estimated at over $960 million by Forbes in January 2024, stems from ventures in biotech and finance.

• Job Title: Former National Security Advisor
• Years Active in Politics: 2016-present, with recent controversies
• Age: 65

Michael Flynn's steadfast allegiance to Trump could position him as a strong VP contender. A retired Army lieutenant general, Flynn served briefly as Trump's national security advisor before resigning over misleading statements about his Russian contacts.

Despite legal challenges, including a guilty plea later pardoned by Trump, Flynn remains a vocal supporter. He founded Flynn Intel Group, worked with Turkey, and spoke at Russian state events. Flynn's advocacy for Trump and alignment with fringe movements like QAnon makes him a divisive but potentially influential VP choice.

• Job Title: Former United States Representative from New York
• Years Active in Politics: 2011-present
• Age: 44

Lee Zeldin, an attorney and politician, has earned the support of the Republican base through his unwavering backing of Trump's policies and vocal opposition to Democratic initiatives. As a military veteran and proven conservative, Zeldin brings both experience and credibility to the table.

During Trump's presidency, he defended Trump in his first impeachment hearings. Zeldin ran for governor of New York in 2022, winning the Republican primary but ultimately losing the election to Kathy Hochul. Nonetheless, he garnered the highest percentage of the vote for a Republican gubernatorial nominee since 2002, showcasing his influence within the party.

• Job Title: United States Representative from Florida
• Years Active in Politics: 2016-present
• Age: 45

Byron Donalds, a rising GOP figure, combines principled conservatism with a pragmatic approach. He's a U.S. Representative for Florida's 19th district since 2021, with a background in finance and insurance. Donalds, aligned with the conservative wing, previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. 

In 2020, he won a Congressional seat, notably contesting the 2020 election results. Despite personal doubts about Biden's "legit" presidency, he acknowledges Biden's status while expressing strong opposition. Donalds' ascent in politics positions him as a potential VP candidate.

• Job Title: United States Senator from Alabama
• Years Active in Politics: 2004-present, with recent entry into public office
• Age: 42

Katie Britt, a Republican politician and attorney, has served as the junior United States senator from Alabama since 2023. She's the first woman elected to the Senate from Alabama and the youngest Republican woman to do so. 

Previously, Britt was president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (2019-2021) and chief of staff for her Senate predecessor, Richard Shelby (2016-2018). Her focus on economic growth aligns with Trump's agenda, making her a strong contender for higher office.

• Job Title: Governor of North Dakota
• Years Active in Politics: 2016-present
• Age: 67

Doug Burgum, a successful businessman turned politician, has governed North Dakota since 2016. With a pragmatic approach, he emphasizes innovation and efficiency, aligning well with Trump's agenda. 

Burgum's rise from small-town roots to leading a billion-dollar software company highlights an entrepreneurial mindset. As a member of the Republican Party, he's navigated politics with no prior experience, winning two gubernatorial elections by wide margins. While his 2024 presidential bid ended early, Burgum's influence in both business and politics remains substantial, making him a noteworthy contender for any future role.

• Job Title: United States Senator from Arkansas
• Years Active in Politics: 2012-present
• Age: 46

Tom Cotton's status as a conservative stalwart and his military background have propelled him into prominence within the Republican Party. Serving as the junior United States senator from Arkansas since 2015, Cotton's support for Trump's policies, particularly on immigration and national security, positions him as a compelling vice-presidential choice. 

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Cotton's military service included deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he earned accolades, including a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman Badge. His tenure in Congress has been marked by strong opposition to Democratic initiatives, making him a favorite among conservative voters.

• Job Title: United States Representative from Georgia
• Years Active in Politics: 2016-present, gained prominence quickly
• Age: 49

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Republican congresswoman from Georgia, is known for promoting conspiracy theories, including QAnon and Pizzagate. Despite controversies over her extremist views and support for political violence, Greene remains a fervent supporter of Donald Trump, backing his claims about the 2020 election. 

Her expulsion from House committee roles in 2021 and later from the House Freedom Caucus in 2023 underscore her polarizing presence in Congress. While her confrontational style may detract from her appeal as a vice presidential candidate, her unwavering support for Trump's agenda cannot be ignored.

• Job Title: Governor of Florida
• Years Active in Politics: 2012-present
• Age: 45

Ron DeSantis, serving as Florida's 46th governor since 2019, emerged as a prominent GOP figure. His conservatism, highlighted by a tough stance on COVID-19 restrictions, boosts his appeal. DeSantis, a Yale and Harvard Law graduate, served in the Navy, deploying to Iraq and earning promotion to lieutenant. 
 

In Congress, he co-founded the Freedom Caucus and aligned with Trump. Winning the governorship in 2018, he prioritized parental rights and weathered crises like hurricanes and the pandemic. Though briefly a 2024 presidential hopeful, he withdrew, endorsing Trump. His popularity in the key swing state of Florida could make him an invaluable asset to Trump's campaign.