Trump says he'll name running mate at convention
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) - Donald Trump said Thursday that he will name his vice presidential pick at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this July.
Speaking in an interview with The Associated Press, Trump said that it was still early in the process to select a running mate, but that he would soon form a committee to begin vetting running mates.
"It is early - we just won yesterday," Trump said. "I will announce it at the convention. A lot of people are interested."
His aides have declined to identify any candidates, but former rival Ben Carson, whom Trump has said is helping with his vice presidential search, told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday that a Democrat may be among those considered. Trump has said he intends to pick a Republican with prior government experience.
Trump has not yet reached the number of delegates required to clinch the nomination, but now has a clear path to becoming the Republican standard-bearer after his remaining rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, suspended their campaigns this week.
Trump also said that he would "do whatever the maximum standard is" in terms of separating his business interests from his role as president if he wins in November. He named Steven Mnuchin, a private investor with ties to New York and Hollywood, as his national finance chairman on Thursday. While he has largely self-funded his primary run, he has said he would engage in some fundraising for the general election.
Trump has expressed reluctance to liquidate any of his holdings to finance that campaign.
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Lemire reported from New York.