Donald Trump, Jr. to speak at RNC just before the VP nominee, and he backs Vance

WASHINGTON - The Republican running mate speculation hit fever pitch Thursday with news that Donald Trump, Jr. will address next week's convention right before his father's vice presidential nominee - and the younger Trump is a big supporter of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

Two people familiar with the Republican National Convention schedule said Trump Jr. has been scheduled to speak on Wednesday for weeks, and that it is not necessarily a sign of favoritism toward Vance's candidacy.

Vance is one of the finalists for the job, along with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump has not made a VP announcement but has signaled he plans to do it surrounding the RNC's start on Monday in Milwaukee.

The vice presidential night of the convention on Wednesday is also expected to include Mayor Trent Conaway of East Palestine, Ohio, site of a massive train derailment in 2023, said people familiar with the planning. Vance has worked with city officials on recovery, and accompanied Trump on a campaign stop to the city.

Campaign officials have repeatedly also stressed that Trump will make the final call on the running mate selection, and when and where it will be announced.

Rubio campaigned with Trump in Florida on Tuesday, and the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee is scheduled to appear at a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pa., near Pittsburgh, which is not far from the Ohio border.

The convention scheduling news came a day after Trump talked up Vance in a radio interview, while also discussing the chances of Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Speaking on FOX News Radio’s "The Brian Kilmeade Show," Trump disputed a report that Vance's beard might be an impediment to his selection.

"Looks like a young Abraham Lincoln," Trump said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Jr. to speak just before the VP nominee - and he backs Vance