MILWAUKEE — Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio is a “dynamic” vice presidential candidate who would bolster former President Trump’s message of unity, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York told Fox News Digital.
“J.D. Vance is a young, dynamic guy, great communicator. … He has a great personal story. He connects with everyday Americans across the country and I think he would certainly be a great addition to the shortlist,” Malliotakis told Fox News Digital from the Republican National Committee.
“Not to mention, he’s from a battleground state, so that always helps.”
On Monday, as the Republican National Convention began and delegates from across the country formally nominated Trump, Trump announced that he would nominate Vance as his running mate.
Trump nominates Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance for 2024 presidential run
New York State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis speaks to Fox News Digital. (Fox News Digital)
“After lengthy deliberation and consideration, and after taking into account many other incredible talents, I have determined that the person best qualified to serve as Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio,” President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform Monday afternoon.
Usha Chirukuri Vance, wife of Sen. J.D. Vance, as he was nominated as vice presidential candidate on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on July 15, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Vance previously worked as a venture capitalist and served as a U.S. senator from Ohio after gaining national fame with his autobiography, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
The Ohio congressman was a vocal critic of Trump’s 2016 presidential run but has since been a staunch supporter of the 45th president, including in May when Trump was on trial on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Republicans praise Trump’s nominee J.D. Vance as ‘opponent of endless wars’
Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, second from left, Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, left, and Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis of New York, right, address reporters outside Manhattan Criminal Court on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Malliotakis was in the courtroom with Vance and other Trump supporters during the trial, and a New York congresswoman told Fox News Digital she had a chance to get to know Vance during the “sham trial” in which she defended Trump.
“I actually got to know JD pretty well when I went to the courthouse with President Trump during his sham trial in New York City,” she said. “So I’m happy for him. I wish him the best and I know he’s going to do a great job.”
A message of unity was front and center at the Republican National Convention after the attempted assassination of President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening. Malliotakis said the “outrageous” attacks on President Trump had reached levels seen in third world countries and “need to stop.”
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“Ever since President Trump walked off that escalator nine years ago, he’s been vilified by the left. His opponents have done everything they can to ruin him financially, professionally and personally, and their rhetoric has gone too far. And look what they’ve done this year alone: They tried to remove him from the election, they tried to put him in prison, and now someone is trying to kill him. And it’s all because of rhetoric from the left that President Trump is so dangerous and the greatest threat to democracy, and likening him to Hitler.”
“This is outrageous. It has to stop.”
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is escorted off stage during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Malliotakis said the criticism of Trump has grown to the point that it is reminiscent of actions in third world countries, citing the lawsuits and assassination attempts against him this year.
“Right now, we’re trying to kill our enemies, and that’s not happening in the United States of America. I hope that this sends a clear message that Americans, whether they’re Republicans, independents or Democrats, stand together in support of President Trump,” Malliotakis said, adding that he believes Vance will “absolutely” back the mission.
Gunshots rang out about eight minutes into Trump’s speech at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Trump suddenly clutched his right ear, crouched down and collapsed to the stage floor. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump, but he was later escorted off the stage with his right ear bloodied.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is hurried off the stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Before being removed, Trump appeared to show he was OK by pumping his fist in the air and yelling “Fight!” to the crowd.
“I’m so happy he’s alive and well and here to stay. I think there’s a lot of excitement right now in Milwaukee for President Trump’s speech on Thursday.”
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“I believe the president will call on the nation to come together because we may disagree as Americans on policy, and we all need to learn to debate respectfully on the floor of the House, in the media and at the ballot box.”
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