Donald Trump picks J.D. Vance as running mate opting for a MAGA favorite in last-minute decision

Donald Trump chose Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday afternoon, choosing a grassroots favorite over more experienced political candidates.

The former president waited until the very last minute, using all his showmanship to keep the world guessing, before choosing the 39-year-old Vance after the Republican Party convention had already begun in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Trump made his announcement on Truth Social, but dropped it as delegates approved his nomination as candidate.

“JD has had a very successful business career in the technology and financial sectors. During the campaign, he will focus on the people he fought so brilliantly for: the American workers and farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and far beyond,” he said.

Vance came to national prominence when he published his bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy” in 2016, the year Trump was elected president.

He has been a senator for less than two years, but has emerged as one of the fiercest defenders of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, particularly when it comes to foreign policy, trade and immigration.

The former venture capitalist and US Marine was initially critical of Trump.

He did not vote for Trump in 2016, tweeting around the time, “My god, what an idiot.”

But insiders say he became increasingly politicized as he watched the country’s elite institutions turn against Trump’s presidency even as he delivered on his promises.

Since then, he has developed a personal bond with the former president, and in particular with his son Donald Trump Jr.

Last week, Don Jr. told DailyMail.com: ‘You make a lot of acquaintances in politics, but JD is a great and loyal man who has become a real friend.

“His entire life story is the embodiment of the American dream, but he never forgets where he came from.”

Donald Trump announced in a statement on Truth Social on Monday afternoon that Vance is his choice

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, right, points to Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally, March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio

Vance is now expected to energize Trump’s base and bring some millennial energy into the race.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said: President Trump needs a vice president with innovative ideas and the ability to communicate them to every American voter. Senator J.D. Vance fits that bill perfectly.

“It’s time to unite our country, and we’re eager to expand our majority in the House of Representatives and get to work on this ticket to restore America’s greatness.”

JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance wave to their supporters after he won his 2022 primary in Ohio

His working-class Ohio roots could also help him beat President Joe Biden in his so-called “blue wall” states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Insiders said the other two “finalists” were Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Last week, betting markets declared Vance the clear frontrunner, while a number of attacking players also emerged in the media.