Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump floated Sen. Marco Rubio as a possible running mate in the general election Thursday while ruling out South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said that Haley was never under consideration for the slot despite rumors coming to light Wednesday that Haley, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman were all possibilities. All three have said they are not interested in the position.
“No, not Nikki Haley. No, Nikki Haley, no. She wasn’t under consideration,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier in an interview set to air in full Thursday night.
About Rubio, however, Trump admitted that he “could” be handed the vice president slot despite the back-and-forth the two engaged in before the Florida senator dropped his White House bid after losing to Trump in Florida on March 15.
“We’ve had really nice conversations,” Trump said, confirming reports that he and Rubio had spoken recently. “Not necessarily about [being my running mate].”
“You know we always had a very good relationship … Marco and I, and then it got a little bit nasty for a period of time,” Trump said. “And then we had the election. And you know, that was a tough period of time for Marco. Marco’s a good guy, a really nice guy, and I like him. But not necessarily with respect to any position. But it could happen.”
