Former President Donald Trump has hinted at having made a decision regarding his vice presidential nominee, yet has kept the identity under wraps from the Republican contenders. During a recent interaction with a reporter, Trump replied, "In my mind, yeah," when asked if he had decided on his pick. He further stated that nobody knows about his selection.

Trump's running mate is expected to attend the upcoming presidential debate in Atlanta, according to reports from an NBC News journalist present at a recent campaign event in Philadelphia. Many notable contenders for the vice presidential position, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, and Senator JD Vance of Ohio, are anticipated to attend a watch party hosted by Trump's campaign.

Previously, the presumptive Republican nominee had revealed his plan to announce his choice either at or shortly before the Republican National Convention, scheduled to begin on July 15 in Milwaukee. However, there is a possibility that Trump may decide to unveil his decision earlier, likely to divert attention from his upcoming sentencing on July 11 in a New York hush money case, where he faces 34 felony counts.

Preparations for the post-selection phase have already commenced within the Trump campaign, with a private jet rented for the vice presidential candidate between July and November, as disclosed by an anonymous source.

The vice presidential choice holds significant importance for Trump as he seeks to expand his electoral coalition, with polls indicating voter disappointment in both candidates. Notably, the former president has distanced himself from his previous running mate, Mike Pence, after Pence publicly stated that he did not have the constitutional authority to block the certification of Trump's loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Biden, along with his predecessor Trump, is all but assured to face off in a rematch of the 2020 presidential election on November 5. Both candidates have secured the necessary number of delegates to be officially nominated by their respective parties. Biden, at 81 years old, is running alongside current Vice President Kamala Harris, both contending with low popularity ratings.

The suspense surrounding Trump's selection for his running mate has fueled speculation and anticipation, heightening the intrigue leading up to the Republican National Convention and the general election.