How Donald Trump landed on JD Vance as his vice presidential pick

CNN —

A day before Donald Trump’s deadline to pick a running mate, after months of private conversations with every corner of his orbit, the former president took a call from a new voice.

That person, Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, was one of several people urging Trump in the final moments to select Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

On Monday, Trump finally announced his choice: Vance would be his running mate.

How Trump landed on Vance, a freshman senator from the heartland only half his age, is a story illustrative of the former president’s showman instincts and chronic indecisiveness. A prolonged audition reminiscent of Trump’s years as host of “The Apprentice.” A constant stream of rumors, many started by Trump himself. Vocal factions campaigning behind the scenes. A secretive vetting process that left contenders in the dark for weeks. And a surprise reveal adding intrigue to the opening of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Trump announced his decision Monday afternoon on his Truth Social platform, telling his followers that Vance was “the person best suited” for the role. Only moments earlier, Trump had shared the information with Vance himself, according to multiple people familiar with the call.

“He just said, ‘Look, I think we gotta go save this country. I think you’re the guy who can help me in the in the best way,’” Vance told Fox News in his first interview after his formal nomination as the GOP vice presidential nominee. “‘You can help me govern. You can help me win. You can help me in some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and so forth.’”

‘The Apprentice: Veepstakes Version’

The political marriage between Trump and Vance wasn’t an instant match. Earlier this year, as Trump