Senator Marco Rubio, a finalist in former President Donald Trump's VP search, arrives at the RNC with praise for Trump and high expectations for the convention.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a finalist in former President Donald Trump's vice presidential selection process, arrived at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday with glowing praise for the GOP nominee, despite Trump ultimately choosing Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate.
Rubio, speaking to Fox News Digital outside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, described the convention as an unparalleled display of energy and enthusiasm. "I've never seen so much energy and enthusiasm behind any candidate in American history, in my time alive," he said, predicting that the momentum would continue throughout the convention.
Rubio Lauds Trump Despite Vance VP Selection, Praises GOP Unity
Rubio expressed optimism that Trump's highly anticipated Thursday speech would unify Americans around his consistent message of putting America and its citizens first. "There's nothing scandalous about it. He wants to put America, and Americans, above anything else. And, if our president is not going to do that, then who is?" he asked.
He added, "I think that is the one thing that we actually should be unified over, and I hope, and I believe, that is the one thing we'll take away from Thursday night."
Rubio Lauds Trump Despite Vance VP Selection, Praises GOP Unity
Trump announced Vance as his running mate in a Monday post on Truth Social, while the convention was in the process of officially nominating him as the Republican candidate. "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump wrote.
Vance was warmly received while appearing on the convention floor during his nomination process later that day, standing alongside members of the Ohio delegation.
Rubio Lauds Trump Despite Vance VP Selection, Praises GOP Unity
Ahead of Trump's selection announcement, sources indicated that Rubio, along with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, had been informed that they would not be chosen as running mates.
Undeterred, Rubio embraced Vance's selection, posting on X following Trump's announcement: "JD Vance is a fantastic choice. Americans will soon see this is an incredibly intelligent and talented man who is completely committed to making America great again. Vote for #TrumpVance2024 so we can unite our people and save our country!"
Rubio expressed confidence that the convention would galvanize Republican support behind Trump and Vance, noting their shared commitment to conservative principles. "We're going to have a great convention. We're going to have a great party. We're going to have a great nominee. And we're going to have a great country," he predicted.
He emphasized the importance of putting aside differences and uniting around the common goal of protecting American values. "We may not agree on everything, but we agree on the big things. And that's what's going to win us the election."
Rubio concluded, "We're going to show the world that America is still the greatest country on earth. And we're going to make it even greater."
