Trump's 'list of running mates GROWS as star candidates don't impress him' - while insiders warn of a huge snub to ally

Donald Trump has said none of the current front runners for vice president impress him - and he has even reportedly snubbed firm favorite Vivek Ramaswamy. 

Trump, 77, has personally told the multi-millionaire former biotech executive Ramaswamy that he won't be his vice presidential pick, according to Bloomberg, as he weighs up candidates on their loyalty and dress sense.

Sources who were briefed on the conversation told the outlet that Trump was eyeing him up for a cabinet post - potentially Homeland Security secretary - instead. 

He had been a firm favorite for the job with many viewing him as the ideal complement to Trump after he fell into line behind the former president immediately after ceasing his own bid. 

But Trump is reportedly favoring North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Representative Elise Stefanik and former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer instead. 

Trump reportedly personally told Ramaswamy that he would not be his pick for Vice President

Ramaswamy had been a firm favorite for the role with the pair seen to be close in recent weeks

Anonymous sources told the outlet that Trump is in talks with many of his allies about potential administrative positions. 

He is reportedly assessing them on the criteria of loyalty, ideology and electoral power - but he also wants them to be successful, independently wealthy and well-dressed. 

His son-in-law Jared Kushner is offering help and suggestions while his son Donald Trump Jr. has reportedly voiced interest in a key role with talks taking place over long meals at his Mar-a-Lago club. 

Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is seen as a top favorite to serve as chief of staff while senate Republicans Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas are seen as possibilities for attorney general. 

But Jason Miller, a senior Trump campaign adviser, told Bloomberg it's too early to say who he will pick: 'The truth is that unless you hear it directly from President Trump or his campaign, this is all b.s.'

For a running mate, Trump reportedly wants someone who isn't motivated by the limelight and says that he is not impressed by the names currently circulating.

Last week, Trump said he'd already ruled out some possible vice presidential contenders because they haven't 'behaved properly' and then bragged he could have anyone he wants on his ticket, including a Democrat.

Ramaswamy endorsed Trump when he withdrew his own presidential bid in January

Dozens of names have been batted about as possible contenders for Trump's presidential ticket. 

However, he did tell Newsmax host Greg Kelly that he's ruled some out, even though he declined to say who.

'Some people that I didn't think behaved properly. Yeah, I think I've ruled some people out, but I've ruled a lot of people in. 

'We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party, and they'll do a terrific job, I think, but certainly I have people that I wouldn't want as a vice president,' Trump said.' 

Ramaswamy had cozied up to Trump since he dropped his own presidential bid.

He and his wife were seen with Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, another sign of closeness.

But he has no political experience and many saw his comments on foreign policy and other issues as extreme. A Fox poll showed twice as many Americans disliked him as liked him.

At CPAC, a gathering of conservative activists, Ramaswamy tied with Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota for their pick for Trump's running mate.

Trump has noted he has many options, saying 'we have really great people that want it. People have expressed, I mean not their interest, they've expressed like, "I would love to be vice president."

'Who wouldn't? If you're a politician, who wouldn't want it?' 

Donald Trump said he's ruled out some possible vice presidential contenders because 'I didn't think behaved properly'

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024

'There's not a person in politics that doesn't want it, and that includes Democrats. If I wanted, I'd have a Democrat, I'd have a liberal, I'd have anybody I want,' he added.

There are several factors Trump is reportedly considering for his vice presidential pick. Loyalty is top one - a trait the former president values above all else. 

He also has been concerned about the abortion issue, NBC News reported, as Trump sees it as a major advantage for Democrats and a vulnerability for Republicans. Democrats successfully used the issue to get their voters - particularly women - to the polls in the 2022 midterm election.

When it comes to how he'll make his decision, Trump told Newsmax 'it's a formal process that's in my brain. It's like I look at the same people that everybody else is looking at.' 

'But we're gonna pick somebody that's really good, really conservative, loves law and order, low taxes, low interest rates, borders,' he noted.