In a definitive statement, former President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of Nikki Haley, a failed contender for the GOP presidential nomination, serving as his running mate in the upcoming election cycle.
Taking to his Truth Social page, Trump declared, “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot,” accompanied by well wishes for the former South Carolina governor who previously held the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during his administration.
BREAKING: Leading presidential candidate Donald Trump says “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well! DJT.” pic.twitter.com/mSbLjrhx1Q
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) May 11, 2024
Trump’s announcement contradicted an Axios report that suggested Haley was being actively considered for the role, citing sources familiar with the matter. The report speculated on the potential benefits of a Trump-Haley alliance, highlighting the prospect of attracting Republicans who may not otherwise support Trump, thereby bolstering his electoral prospects.
Despite ongoing speculation, Haley’s recent electoral performance in Indiana, where she secured over 20% of the primary vote, underscores her continued relevance within the Republican Party. However, Haley’s refusal to endorse Trump and their divergent views on key issues have contributed to strained relations between the two.
QUESTION: Does this worry you? Should Trump deliberately appeal to Nikki Haley's voters? As Fox News says, "Nikki Haley won nearly 22% of the Republican vote over Donald Trump in Indiana last night, despite her dropping out over two months ago." WATCH pic.twitter.com/8yosu7jueB
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) May 8, 2024
While Haley maintains ties to donors who are not aligned with Trump, the former president has been endeavoring to bridge a fundraising deficit compared to President Joe Biden’s campaign.
In response to queries regarding potential running mates, the Trump campaign emphasized its commitment to building a unified political movement, welcoming individuals who share Trump’s vision for border security, economic revival, energy dominance, and foreign policy.
With the Republican convention slated for July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump’s selection of a running mate remains pending. Notably, a diverse array of candidates has emerged as potential contenders for the position, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and several senators and representatives.
Despite the speculation surrounding potential running mates, Trump’s campaign remains focused on consolidating support and advancing its agenda in the lead-up to the November general election against Biden.
Meanwhile, conservatives and Trump supporters have celebrated the confirmation that Haley would not be chosen as Trump’s running mate, as many openly despise the failed GOP candidate for her pro-war and anti-freedom messages — with Haley previously stating support for endless foreign wars and for forcing Americans to tie their identities to their social media accounts, removing anonymity. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson previously encapsulated the feeling of those in the conservative movement who oppose Haley, stating that a Trump-Haley ticket would be something he would actively oppose, despite being a Trump supporter. Carlson also previously deemed Haley a Democrat, noting in an interview: “Strip away all the outward characteristics, and Nikki Haley is identical in her priorities to Joe Biden and the people who back Joe Biden.”
On stage at #TPUSA, Tim Pool asks Tucker Carlson whether he’d vote for Donald Trump if Nikki Haley was his VP running mate. pic.twitter.com/yA9gTi7vwd
— Mythinformed (@MythinformedMKE) December 19, 2023