Internet skeptical after Trump floats Tim Scott and Kristi Noem as potential running mates

MIAMI, FLORIDA: In a recent interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, former President Donald Trump unveiled some potential running mates for the 2024 general election, shedding light on his criteria and dispelling rumors.

Among those under consideration are South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), both receiving praise from Trump during the Sunday Morning Futures broadcast, on February 4.

Dispelling rumors

While addressing swirling rumors, Trump categorically ruled out Robert F Kennedy Jr as a vice-presidential nominee and clarified that his team had not approached any independent candidates. The selection process, he insisted, is confined to candidates within the Republican Party.

"We have so many good people in the Republican Party," Trump remarked. During the interview, he spoke highly of Senator Scott, stating, "I called Tim Scott, and I told him, 'You're a much better candidate for me than you are for yourself.'"

The former president commended Scott for his recent advocacy and support, describing him as initially 'lowkey' during his presidential bid but evolving into a staunch defender in recent weeks.

Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota also received praise from Trump. "Kristi Noem has been incredible fighting for me," he said. "She said 'I'd never run against him because I can't beat him.' That was a very nice thing to say."

Noem confirmed in her own interview with Bartiromo that while she talks with Trump frequently, they have not directly discussed the potential of appearing on the ticket together in 2024. "We talk all the time, but we have never had that conversation," she explained. "I just talk about ways that we could really help our country during this critical time in history."

Other figures on the list of potential running mates include Trump's former Press Secretary and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Republican House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, and former 2024 contender and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Social media reactions

Social media platforms exploded with reactions following Trump's revelation of potential running mates.

"Vivek is still the strongest choice, no matter who he chooses it will be better than traitor Mike Pence," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"No on Scott and Noem. No one without independent wealth is safe from corruption," another wrote.

"Either would be fine. But knowing Trump, he'll probably pull a surprise out of his hat," someone else added.

"He’s holding his cards close, he’ll choose neither. He’s teasing the RNC," a comment read.

"Only person I trust here as VP is Vivek. Tim Scott is useless as a Senator. Noem is very loyal but I don't feel good about female presidents. Also, they need to have their OWN money," another offered.

Expert perspective

Surveys consistently indicate that both Scott and Noem are popular potential running mates for Trump in the upcoming 2024 election. Last month, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, on Twitter, listed Scott and Noem among other names as "good VP candidates that the grassroots would embrace."

American politics expert Thomas Whalen from Boston University provided insights into Scott's potential impact, telling Newsweek, "[Representative Elise] Stefanik and Scott make the most sense because they could potentially bolster him politically where he is the weakest—among suburban women voters and African-American voters."

Whalen also noted that Scott has become a target for satire, mentioning, "He's already the butt of jokes on SNL Weekend Update for his craven sucking up to Trump, making the old Mike Pence seem subtle."

In contrast, an opinion piece by Politico contributing writer Rich Lowry described Noem as a potential "loyal vice president." However, Lowry expressed reservations, stating, "Politically, though, she doesn't add much. She may be too rural and MAGA to help among suburban women, which is presumably what Trump hopes a female candidate will do."

To secure the GOP nomination, Trump faces competition from Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador. Despite trailing behind Trump in double digits in the Iowa Republican caucus and the New Hampshire primary election, Haley affirmed her commitment, telling reporters on Thursday, "I am not going anywhere."