Trump opens up on VP pick: 'People won't be that surprised'

Former US president Donald Trump says people "won't be that surprised" about who he's leaning towards to be his 2024 running mate as sources close to his campaign reveal who has made the "shortlist" for the role.

On Saturday, former president Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier he's "25 per cent " sure of a particular candidate to be his running mate.

"The person that I think I like is a very good person. Pretty standard. I think people won't be that surprised, but I would say there's probably a 25 per cent chance that would be that person," he said.

Speculation on the 77-year-old's running mate has arisen following a significant win in the Iowa caucuses.

It comes as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended his 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday and endorsed Trump.

Trump is expected to win the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, despite competition from former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Trump's victory in New Hampshire would pave the way for the GOP nomination, especially if Haley were to withdraw.

Despite recent developments, sources close to the Trump campaign deny Haley or DeSantis made the VP "shortlist," according to Fox Business.

Potential running mates include Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders – both aligned with the Trump-centric MAGA wing.

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, known for her recent confrontation over campus antisemitism, also made the list but is considered a "long shot".

Notably absent from the shortlist is Wall Street executive turned author Vivek Ramaswamy, who endorsed Trump after losing in Iowa.