Vice presidential finalist Marco Rubio arrives at RNC with praise for Trump after JD Vance is selected as running mate

MILWAUKEE— Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a finalist in former President Donald Trump's search for a vice presidential running mate, arrived at the Republican National Convention Tuesday with praise for the GOP nominee, though he ultimately chose Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance to join him on the ticket.

Fox News Digital caught up with Rubio outside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, where he reacted to Trump's first triumphant public appearance on the convention floor since surviving an assassination attempt on Saturday.

“I have never seen this much energy and enthusiasm behind a candidate in American history, in my entire life,” Rubio said, predicting we would see more of that energy and enthusiasm in the remaining days of the convention.

TRUMP ANNOUNCES OHIO SENATOR JD VANCE AS HIS 2024 CHOICE

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, former President Donald Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

Rubio predicted that Trump's highly anticipated speech Thursday would unite Americans around his “core message” that “has always been the same.”

“There’s nothing outrageous about that. He wants to put America and Americans above all else. And if our president doesn’t do it, who will?” he said. “I think that’s the one thing we should be united on, and I hope, and I believe, that’s the one thing we’ll take away from Thursday night.”

Trump announced Vance as his running mate in a post Monday on Truth Social as the convention was in the process of officially nominating him as the Republican nominee.

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Florida Senator Marco Rubio speaks with Fox News Digital on the second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 16, 2024. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)

“After much deliberation and consideration, and considering the immense talents of many others, I have determined that the person best suited to serve as Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the great State of Ohio,” Trump wrote.

Vance was warmly received when he appeared on the floor of Congress during his nomination hearing later in the day, where he stood alongside members of the Ohio delegation.

Before his selection was announced, Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum were both informed that they would not be selected, according to multiple sources.

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“JD Vance is a fantastic choice. Americans will soon see that he is an incredibly smart and talented man who is totally committed to making America great again. Vote for #TrumpVance2024 so we can unite our people and save our country!” Rubio wrote in a message on X following Trump’s announcement.

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