The tug-of-war between Donald Trump and Nikki Haley continues, despite the former president counting on her support regardless of their past conflicts. On Wednesday, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley announced that she will be voting for Trump in November, despite previously describing him as “unhinged” and “not qualified” to lead the nation. This statement was made during her first public event since ending her campaign in March, held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C.
Throughout her campaign, Haley and Trump exchanged severe criticisms until Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, suspended her bid for the presidency. Upon suspending her campaign in March, Haley stated, “It is now up to Donald Trump to reach the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him.” She emphasized that politics should be about inclusivity, saying, “At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause badly needs more people.”
Speculation has since arisen about Haley possibly being considered for the vice-presidential spot. However, Trump dismissed these rumors in a May 11 post on Truth Social, stating that Haley “is not under consideration” for the role.
Despite this, Trump responded positively to Haley’s recent endorsement. At his first major campaign event in New York since 2016, held in the Bronx on Thursday, Trump spoke about Haley’s potential role in his campaign. “I think she’s going to be on our team because we have a lot of the same ideas, the same thoughts,” he said.
In an interview with News12 New York, Trump expressed appreciation for Haley’s support while acknowledging their past “nasty campaign.” He described her as a “very capable person” and suggested she would be part of his team in some capacity.
However, Trump avoided confirming whether Haley might be his vice-presidential pick, instead naming other prominent Republicans he believes could do a “really fantastic job.” These names included Senators Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance, Representative Elise Stefanik, and Dr. Ben Carson.
Trump indicated that he would announce his final decision on the vice-presidential candidate “sometime during the convention.” The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Trump remains involved in his ongoing hush money trial, with final arguments expected next week.
