(Cupventi.com) – Nikki Haley, a former Republican presidential candidate, has announced her intention to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. Haley, who previously served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, ended her own campaign for the Republican nomination in early March. Although she did not endorse Trump at that time, she encouraged him to earn the votes of her supporters.
In her first public statement since exiting the race, Haley acknowledged that Trump “has not been perfect,” but she believes President Joe Biden has been a disaster. She made these remarks during a speech at the conservative Hudson Institute think-tank in Washington, DC.
Earlier this year, many Republicans who opposed Trump rallied behind Haley’s candidacy. Even after suspending her campaign, she continues to gain support, having secured over 20% of the vote in recent state primary elections. The Biden campaign is now targeting these Haley supporters, who are typically moderate and well-educated independents, hoping to sway them towards the Democratic side. Biden has criticized Trump for alienating these voters, saying Trump “doesn’t want” their support.
Despite Trump’s past criticisms of Haley, calling her a “bird brain” and dismissing rumors of her being his potential vice-presidential pick, Haley remains focused on her policy priorities. She criticized Biden’s handling of Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Israel, describing his presidency as catastrophic. “As a voter, I prioritize a president who supports our allies, secures the border, promotes capitalism and freedom, and reduces debt,” she said. “Trump has his flaws, but Biden has been a catastrophe. So I will be voting for Trump.”
However, Haley stopped short of urging her followers to do the same, reiterating her belief that Trump should actively seek their support. She emphasized that Trump has not reached out to her or her supporters since she left the race.
Speculation is growing about whether Haley will formally endorse Trump or even join him on the Republican ticket. Republican campaign strategist John Connors suggested that Haley’s recent comments could be a signal to Trump to start discussions about a potential partnership. “A Trump-Haley ticket could attract more major donors and bring in college-educated female voters and never-Trump supporters,” Connors said. “It would be a formidable ticket.”
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Haley to see if she will fully reconcile with Trump and potentially become a key figure in his campaign.