WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has ruled out Vivek Ramaswamy as his running mate and is instead eyeing the entrepreneur for a Cabinet job, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Republican presidential nominee sizes up a possible administration.

Trump personally told Ramaswamy he won’t be his vice presidential pick, according to people briefed on the discussion, but is considering him for posts including Homeland Security secretary. Some Trump allies see Ramaswamy as ideal for the job because they say he excels at public speaking and, as an Indian-American son of an immigrant, could neutralize criticism of sweeping immigration restrictions.

Their conversation is just one of many Trump has had recently with allies about administration positions as he seized hold of the Republican nomination. Loyalty, ideological compatibility and perceived electoral power are the metrics by which Trump is evaluating possible picks, according to people familiar with the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Those who have impressed Trump and his team for possible Cabinet roles include another former GOP primary foe, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, as well as Representative Elise Stefanik and former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Trump is looking for a running mate who isn’t motivated by the limelight, but who will help give him a measurable edge in the race against President Joe Biden, according to those familiar with his thinking. Trump has confided to close advisers and allies that none of the names circulating as potential running mates have impressed him much. His list of options has only grown longer, not shorter, according to people close to the former president.

Ousted U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is seen as a top candidate to serve as chief of staff. McCarthy, who turned down the job in Trump’s last term because he wanted to serve as speaker, has assets that Trump views positively including an understanding of Capitol Hill, federal agencies and budgets.

The former president and his advisers are eager to avoid what they see as a crucial mistake from the first term, when a chaotic transition effort and the appointment of series of top-level aides and Cabinet members who sought to constrain – rather than enable – Trump’s agenda stalled legislative and regulatory priorities.

His search has been assisted by not only top aides like Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, but also family members. Son-in-law Jared Kushner has recently increased his presence with the campaign, calling and texting to offer suggestions. The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has voiced interest in a key transition role, partly to help block people from top jobs who are opposed by Trump loyalists known as “MAGA” hardliners.

But even as allies tout loyalists who would help impose strict immigration controls, new tariffs, deep cuts to the federal bureaucracy and a reordering of U.S. foreign policy, Trump remains captivated by those he sees as successful, independently wealthy and well-dressed.

Team of rivals

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