Former US President Donald Trump has unequivocally dismissed reports suggesting that he is contemplating former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. This rebuttal follows assertions made by Axios, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicating Haley’s purported interest in securing the vice presidential nomination.
Haley’s potential candidacy has drawn attention given her history with Trump, including a contentious primary battle and her abstention from endorsing him even subsequent to her withdrawal from the race. Concerns linger among many of her supporters regarding Trump’s presidential aspirations, posing a challenge for the ex-president as he endeavors to foster unity within the Republican Party ahead of the pivotal White House elections in November.
Addressing the speculation, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to clarify his stance: “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well!”
In response to Trump’s announcement, reactions poured in from users, with one expressing relief with a “thank God,” while another proposed alternative candidates, suggesting “Vivek (Ramaswamy).”
The disapproval of Haley as a potential running mate was reiterated by former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who branded her as an “establishment neocon.” Bannon, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, asserted that only a “True MAGA Republican” is deserving of a place on Trump’s ticket, emphasizing his concerns over Haley’s hypothetical role within the administration.
Despite Haley’s continued popularity among certain Republican constituencies, her divisive history with Trump and the potential for alienating segments of his loyal base complicates her candidacy for the vice presidency. While some experts argue that Haley could appeal to Republican voters supportive of her, the backlash from Trump’s staunch “MAGA” supporters during the primaries underscores the challenges of her potential selection.
While Trump has unequivocally ruled out Haley as his vice presidential pick, his expressed well-wishes suggest a willingness to mend divisions and rally her supporters behind his candidacy.
Meanwhile, Trump’s spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding the vice presidential candidate rests solely with the former president, dismissing claims of insider knowledge and asserting that anyone purporting to know Trump’s choice is not credible.
