More Trump VP hopefuls speak at CPAC

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Governor Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Rep Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington D.C. on Friday.

Noem was referenced on a shortlist that Donald Trump confirmed he was considering for vice president, if he wins the Republican presidential nomination.

“There are two types of people in this country right now. There are people who love America and there are those who hate America,” Noem said. “Those who hate America are working every day to destroy it and let’s be clear: Joe Biden is destroying America and taking away your freedoms.”

The governor from South Dakota flirted early on with 2024 presidential run but ultimately chose to endorse Trump instead. Noem is popular with conservatives due to her refusal to enact mask mandates during the pandemic and her resistance to appending culpability to Trump for January 6th.

The VP shortlist was prompted by Laura Ingraham at a Fox News town hall. It included Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), who opened CPAC with a speech on Thursday, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) and former Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Absent from the list but still heavily rumored to be in the running, Elise Stefanik spoke in the afternoon at CPAC. Her speech revolved around her loyalty to Trump, calling Joe Biden a criminal and the southern border.

“I’m proud to be the first member of Congress to endorse President Trump for reelection,” Stefanik said.

Stefanik was once seen as a moderate Millennial Republican who intended to shift the party to a big-tent ideology. However, her strategies and voting record have taken a turn to the right as the party, and her district, has fully embraced Trump.

CPAC will wrap up on Saturday when Trump is expected to attend.

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