'He never had a chance': Greg Abbott trolled after flatly rejecting talk of becoming Trump's running mate
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has unequivocally turned down the opportunity to serve as Donald Trump's running mate in the 2024 presidential election, opting instead to remain in Texas to address the ongoing border crisis.
Governor Abbott's decision comes amidst escalating concerns over the surge of migrants crossing the southern border into the United States.
Greg Abbott declines Trump's VP offer
"Obviously that's very nice of him to say, but I think you know my focus is entirely on the state of Texas," Abbott told reporters Friday, March 1, while responding to a question about his name being floated as a potential VP pick by the 45th president.
"As you know, I'm working right now on the midterm election process, I've already talked about that, I've announced that I'm running for reelection two years from now. So, my commitment is to Texas, and I'm staying in Texas," Abbott added. "I could best aid Trump by being a great governor of Texas."
Abbott has been vocal in his characterization of the situation at the border, defending his use of the term "invasion" to describe the influx of migrants.
The governor said the term was accurate, "because of what the drug cartels do every single day. Because of the known and unknown terrorists who cross every single day." He added, "There is no language that would spur violence. But I want to be clear about this, we don't want violence of any type."
Abbott reiterated his belief that President Biden has failed to effectively manage the crisis, calling for a new president to address the situation.
"It ends very simply, that's with a president of the United States who will actually fulfill their oath of office to enforce the laws of the United States of America, that means denying illegal entry into the country," he said.
Recent data further underscores the magnitude of the issue, with record numbers of migrants and asylum seekers entering the country, leading to a projected backlog of eight million individuals by the end of September.
The spike in encounters at the border has reached unprecedented levels, with over 300,000 documented attempts to cross in the last month of 2023 alone, per Axios.
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Abbott has outlined plans to bolster border security measures, including the construction of an 80-acre base for the Texas National Guard and the continuation of policies redirecting illegal migrants to "sanctuary" cities.
He showcased these efforts during a visit with former President Trump to Eagle Pass, where they inspected barriers erected along the Rio Grande and discussed strategies to combat illegal immigration.
Social media ridicules Abbott
While Trump praised Abbott as a potential vice presidential candidate following their visit, critics have questioned the viability of Abbott's candidacy, with some citing his decision to decline the offer as evidence of his limited prospects.
"Lol he never had a chance," one posted on X.
"Lol sure Greg," another wrote.
"Greg's well aware of what happened to the last guy," someone else chimed in, referring to former VP Mike Pence.
In addition to Abbott, several other names have been floated as potential vice presidential picks for Trump's 2024 campaign. These include Senator Tim Scott, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and Representative Elise Stefanik.
Other contenders include Vivek Ramaswamy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Representative Byron Donalds, and former Trump press secretary-turned Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
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