Trump invites VP hopefuls to duke it out at Mar-a-Lago this weekend

After spending all week in a Manhattan courtroom, Donald Trump will reportedly spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida surrounded by a host of supporters, some of whom have eyes on a potential vice presidency.

The Republican presidential candidate is set to convene a two-day retreat on Friday and Saturday in Palm Beach that is expected to attract more than 400 deep-pocketed donors and high-profile politicians.

The event will help shore up Mr Trump’s finances, which have taken a severe hit amid his ongoing legal battles, and reassure donors about the state of his campaign. According to the invitation, seen by Reuters, the retreat is open only to those who have raised $25,000 for the former president or couples who have raised $100,000.

Among the attendees tipped as potential vice presidential picks are North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, US Representative Elise Stefanik,  US Senators Marco Rubio, JD Vance and Tim Scott, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

Mr Burgum and Mr Scott previously competed against Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination before dropping out. Both have since publicly declared support for him as the GOP candidate.

Most of the event will be held at the Four Seasons hotel in Palm Beach, with Mr Trump hosting a fundraising lunch at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Saturday.

Guests will receive a briefing on the state of the race from Trump co-campaign managers, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, along with his pollster Tony Fabrizio. They will also be given a briefing on «election integrity.» US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson is also due to make an address, per Reuters.

“Trump is skillfully using his VP contenders as an added bonus at these events,” said Ford O’Connell, a