Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday to dispel rumors that he is considering Nikki Haley as a potential running mate. Trump stated unequivocally that Haley is not being considered for the vice president slot, but he wished her well.
Speculation about Haley’s candidacy arose from an Axios report, which cited sources familiar with the situation. Despite this, Trump’s assertion on social media appears to dismiss any notions of Haley joining his ticket firmly.
Haley, a Republican presidential candidate who suspended her campaign on March 6, 2024, following Super Tuesday, has had a contentious relationship with Trump.
She has refrained from endorsing him and even doubled down on her stance during her campaign suspension announcement. Many of Haley’s supporters remain cautious of Trump, which could pose challenges as he aims to unite the Republican Party ahead of the general election.
Although Haley continues to receive an outstanding share of the vote in primaries, such as securing 22% in Indiana’s primary despite dropping out of the race months prior, her potential as a running mate for Trump comes with both opportunities and risks. While she could appeal to GOP voters who support her, her past conflicts with Trump and some of his supporters might pose challenges.
Trump’s remarks wishing Haley well could signal a willingness to reconcile and court her supporters for his campaign. However, Trump’s spokesperson, Brian Hughes, emphasized that only Trump has the authority to confirm or deny any contenders for the vice president position, cautioning against presumptions about his decision-making process.