In a strategic move ahead of the crucial first-in-the-nation primaries in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as a leading candidate for his vice presidential pick, according to sources within Trump’s inner circle.
Speculation intensified after Stefanik announced her collaboration with Trump for upcoming campaign events, as reported by The Daily Wire on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Insiders reveal that Stefanik’s position at the forefront of Trump’s list is attributed to a crucial quality aligning with the former president’s criteria: loyalty.
According to insiders speaking to NBC News, Trump prioritizes loyalty above all else in a running mate, particularly in light of his perception of former Vice President Mike Pence’s actions. Talks of Stefanik’s potential candidacy arose during a dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in late December, with attendees praising her based on a recent notable moment at a congressional hearing.
More Read
During the hearing, Stefanik confronted university presidents about antisemitism on college campuses, garnering attention for her relentless questioning. Sources recount that attendees at the Mar-a-Lago gathering received Trump’s response to considering Stefanik with high praise: “She’s a killer.”
Stefanik’s political journey, once characterized as that of a “moderate Republican” who worked on Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign, has seen evolution. Currently holding a 48% Liberty Score according to Conservative Review, Stefanik faced criticism for her initial support of the pro-LGBT Equality Act in 2019, a stance she later reversed.
Despite past affiliations, Stefanik emerged as a staunch defender of Trump after his 2016 victory. Her role in Trump’s 2019 impeachment defense and support for legal challenges to Biden’s electoral win showcased her commitment to the former president’s agenda.
Presently, Stefanik faces censure from House Democrats for her characterization of January 6 criminal defendants as “hostages.” Despite controversy, her leadership as the chair of the House Republican Conference has earned accolades from Speaker Mike Johnson, who hailed her as “one of the best leaders and best communicators in Congress.”
In a recent NBC News interview, when questioned about the possibility of being Trump’s vice president, Stefanik expressed openness, stating, “Well, I, of course, would be honored to serve in any capacity in a Trump administration.”
