Trump’s VP Prospects: Tim Scott Slips Down Shortlist — ‘Not a Standout or Game-Changer

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, once considered the frontrunner to be Donald Trump’s running mate, is now seen as “extremely unlikely” to be chosen, sources close to the presumptive Republican nominee revealed to The Post.

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump participate in a Fox News town hall with Laura Ingraham in Greenville, South Carolina, February 20, 2024. REUTERS

Scott, 58, had been a top contender due to his staunch support for Trump and the potential to attract black voters, a trend suggested by recent polls.

For much of the past year, Scott was regarded as the leading choice for VP. His passionate backing of Trump and his ability to draw black voters into the Republican fold made him an appealing candidate. However, insiders now indicate that Scott’s chances are fading as Trump prepares to announce his vice-presidential pick within the next month.

“I think it is doubtful he will be picked,” said one insider, noting that Scott doesn’t stand out in any crucial category for a VP candidate. Another source echoed this sentiment: “His star has become less bright, for sure. Still a top-five pick — but not the strongest.”

Donald Trump arrives to speak at a caucus night rally in Las Vegas, February 8, 2024, as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum watches. AP

Scepticism also exists about Scott’s ability to resonate sufficiently with black voters to justify his selection. One well-connected source mentioned, “There are stronger options, and Tim has the potential to serve in the Cabinet, so I think he’ll still play an important role.”

Besides Scott, other contenders include North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Dark horse candidates like Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson are also being considered.

Trump is reportedly looking for someone to raise money, serve as an effective media surrogate, and perform well in debates against Vice President Kamala Harris.

A third insider suggested that Scott’s television presence might be a drawback. “He’s just not very good on TV,” the source said. Additionally, a fourth insider mentioned that Trump doesn’t believe the VP pick significantly impacts election outcomes, implying that Scott and Rubio wouldn’t have an edge based solely on demographics.

Further complicating Scott’s position is the perception that he might not enhance Trump’s margins with minority voters. “There hasn’t been any data or evidence pointing to either Tim Scott or Marco Rubio adding to Trump’s margins with minorities,” one source noted.

Meanwhile, Trump’s advisors acknowledged that the former president’s decisions can be unpredictable, with contenders already jockeying for positions. A source close to Trump mentioned that the former president praised Scott in recent closed-door meetings.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) makes an opening statement before Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies to the Senate Banking Committee on the second two days of semi-annual testimony to Congress in Washington on March 7, 2024. Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite the speculation, Scott’s spokesperson emphasized the senator’s focus on policy achievements and growing the Republican party rather than adding value based on race.

“This election is about creating opportunity, growing the party, and saving the American dream, regardless of who is on the ticket,” the spokesperson said.

Donald Trump appears with U.S. Senator JD Vance outside Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at the Dayton International Airport on March 16, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Scott has been linked to billionaires Ken Griffin and Bill Ackman, potentially boosting his standing with Trump. A pro-Scott source noted that both men are expected to attend a Detroit rally on Saturday, highlighting Scott’s continued engagement with Trump’s campaign.

Trump senior adviser Brian Hughes told The Post that only Trump knows who he will pick, making all horse-race reporting “inaccurate.” He emphasized that any speculation about the likelihood of Scott or any other candidate being chosen is purely conjecture.

Donald Trump appears with U.S. Senator JD Vance outside Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at the Dayton International Airport on March 16, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

As Trump continues to weigh his options, it remains uncertain who will ultimately join him on the ticket. While Scott’s chances may have diminished, the decision is ultimately up to Trump, who has a history of keeping his final choice close to the vest until the announcement.