Ex-national security adviser reveals 2 questions that could disqualify Trump VP contenders
As intrigue builds over who Donald Trump will select to be his running mate in 2024, his former national security adviser revealed Tuesday night the likely only qualifications his old boss seeks.
John Bolton, who served as Trump's national security adviser before turning on his old boss, spoke with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on "The Source" about who Trump will pick.
The race appears to be down to Florida Marco Rubio, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, said Collins.
When asked what qualifications Trump prefers when picking a candidate, Bolton gave two of the biggest.
"Well I think the highest priority is absolute personal loyalty to him," Bolton said. "And I'm afraid that the vice presidential interview questionnaire has only two questions on it."
The first question Bolton is worried about: "Do you think the 2020 election was stolen?"
And perhaps even more alarming: "If I told you to do what I told Mike Pence to do on Jan. 6 would you do it?"
The second question was a reference to Trump repeatedly asking Pence to delay or reject the certification of the electoral votes. Pence refused, citing his constitutional duties.
“President Trump was wrong,” Pence said later at the annual white-tie Gridiron Dinner. “I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.”
Bolton said if the candidates answer yes to the Jan. 6, "you make it into the finals," said Bolton. "And if they're no, you're out of it."
Bolton added that it'd be a "great loss of integrity" if any of Rubio, Burgum or Vance answered yes to both those questions.
Trump, who has said the only thing that matters is ratings, teased that Rubio could be his choice to a crowd of supporters in Doral, Florida, on Tuesday. He has also said he'd love to make the announcement at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
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"With Trump, it's never final until it's final," said Bolton. "And then sometimes it's still not final."
He added that it wouldn't surprise him if Trump opted to hold off on making a decision until after the convention to see how reeling Democrats and President Joe Biden handle their debate fallout.
Trump will find every reason to delay his choice, said Bolton.
"Look, there's no news coming out of the Republican National Convention, other than the vice presidential nomination. Why waste it in a week when the Democrats may still be talking about whether Joe Biden's competent to be president."
Watch the clip below or at this link.