In an exclusive Fox News interview with Maria Bartiromo on Sunday, former President Donald Trump discussed the criteria he would employ in selecting his running mate for the upcoming election. Trump, the leading Republican contender, commended his party for fielding numerous talented candidates and revealed that he has engaged with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and considers South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem a prominent candidate for the vice presidential position.

Acknowledging the wealth of capable individuals within the party, Trump expressed, “We have a lot of really good people… I have a lot of good ideas.” He disclosed reaching out to Tim Scott, noting the senator’s recent robust defense and support for him, describing Scott as a “real tiger” in his advocacy.

🚨REPORT: Donald Trump has narrowed down his short list of candidates for Vice President to Senator Tim Scott and Governor Kristi Noem.

Would you vote for either of these tickets? 🤔 https://t.co/BC892TWgiw

— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) February 5, 2024

Regarding Kristi Noem, Trump praised her unwavering commitment to defending his record. “Kristi Noem has been incredible fighting for me,” he remarked, sharing Noem’s sentiment that she would not run against him, a statement he found appreciative.

Responding to recent claims by independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., that he was approached by Trump’s team for the vice presidential role, Trump dismissed the assertion as a “false story.” He emphasized, “It’s a false story… I like him a lot. Nope, never happened.”

In a later segment of the interview, Trump reflected on the challenges of navigating Washington as an outsider, expressing caution about relying on recommendations from individuals with ulterior motives. Addressing past personnel decisions, he defended his approach by pointing out the turnover during his tenure compared to the current administration’s lack thereof.

When questioned about potential personnel mistakes in a second term, Trump asserted his commitment to pushing back against individuals with questionable motives, characterizing them as “sick.” Reflecting on his past decisions, he stated, “These people are sick.”