Reuters' National politics Gram Slattery said on X that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) will not be named Trump's vice presidential pick. Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota has also been told he will not be Trump's choice.
"NEWS: Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been informed he will not be Trump's VP, sources say," Reuters' Slattery wrote.
Two sources also told CNN the same, with CNN writing that "Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has been told he’s not former President Donald Trump’s pick for vice president." Sources also told CNN Burgum has been told he won't be chosen.
Rubio had been named among Trump's VP finalists, along with Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Rumors have swirled that Vance will be the VP pick since black government vehicles showed up at his home over the weekend.
Rubio challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2016, engaging in a bitter personal feud that included Trump mocking Rubio's height and skin color. The two men have since reconciled, and Rubio was seen as a potential bridge between Trump's populist base and the more traditional Republican establishment.
As the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio could help the GOP make inroads with more Hispanic voters.
Rubio's Senate experience and measured, disciplined persona might have balanced out Trump's more bombastic style. However, Rubio's past clashes with Trump, as well as his support for comprehensive immigration reform in 2013, which was opposed by many conservatives, made him a hard sell for the party's most ardent Trumpists.
Additionally, the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits electors from voting for a president and vice president from the same state, which could complicate a Rubio selection, as both he and Trump are residents of Florida.
