Trump Reportedly Eyeing Sen. Tom Cotton As Potential Running Mate

As former President Donald Trump continues his search for a vice presidential running mate, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) has unexpectedly risen to the top of the list, according to recent reports. While Cotton was not mentioned in an earlier ABC News report that listed candidates contacted by the Trump campaign for information, The Washington Post later revealed that he was among the top contenders asked to submit paperwork.

A source close to Trump praised Cotton, telling The Daily Wire, “Senator Cotton stands out among the other candidates as a battle tested, serious minded lawmaker with exceptional fundraising skills. He’s a fighter that would round out the ticket in a way that is most likely to secure a victory in November.”

The New York Times also reported on Cotton’s emergence as a top contender, indicating that Trump values experience and discipline as key factors in his bid to regain the White House. The former president has reportedly commended Cotton’s effectiveness as a communicator in cable news interviews, a highly prized quality in Trump’s inner circle.

Cotton’s military background and Ivy League education have also impressed Trump, with the two men having developed a close relationship during their time in Washington. They worked together on immigration issues and shared a common interest in the conservative populism driving the Republican Party.

Throughout his career in Washington, Cotton has faced opposition that could make him an appealing choice for Trump. In 2020, he led the charge in questioning the potential origin of the coronavirus pandemic at a Chinese laboratory in Wuhan, despite facing media backlash. Later, as far-left extremists rioted across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, Cotton wrote a controversial piece in The New York Times urging Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to stop the violence and protect law enforcement officers.