In her first public appearance since withdrawing from the Republican presidential race in March, Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, hinted at her support for former President Donald Trump without officially endorsing him.
Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, Haley criticized President Joe Biden’s foreign policy but avoided mentioning Trump directly.
"As a voter, I put my priorities on a president who's going to have the backs of our allies and hold our enemies to account."@NikkiHaley explains why she supports Donald Trump in the 2024 election: https://t.co/yqVP0VXoQo pic.twitter.com/l3ldPHYAmz
— Hudson Institute (@HudsonInstitute) May 22, 2024
During a fireside chat following her speech, when asked about her preference for the White House, Haley expressed her intention to vote for Trump as a voter concerned about backing leaders supportive of allies, national security, and fiscal responsibility.
While acknowledging Trump’s imperfections, she denounced Biden’s presidency as a catastrophe, earning audible reactions from the audience.
As Trump’s longest-standing rival in the 2024 Republican primary, Haley previously positioned herself as an alternative voice for Republican and independent voters. Despite speculations about her potential as Trump’s running mate, he seemed to dismiss the idea, leading to increasing tensions between them.
Haley’s decision regarding endorsing Trump could impact the upcoming presidential contest significantly. With a strong network of donors and support among various voter demographics, including younger individuals, college-educated voters, and independents, her endorsement could sway crucial segments of the electorate.
Despite her leaning towards Trump, Haley suggested that he should actively engage with her supporters instead of assuming their allegiance. Representatives for Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to her remarks.
The Biden campaign remains focused on appealing to anti-Trump moderates and independents, emphasizing values of unity and democracy. While Haley’s stance may disappoint some anti-Trump Republicans, Biden’s team continues efforts to court high-profile Republicans and Haley supporters.
Robert Schwartz, head of the Haley Voters for Biden PAC, expressed disappointment in Haley’s decision but noted her personal political considerations. He emphasized that Haley’s voters may have different priorities regarding the country’s future.
Haley reiterated familiar themes from her campaign, criticizing Biden’s handling of foreign affairs, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan and his approach to Israel and Ukraine.
"When Biden says he won't give weapons to Israel, all those enemies hear is that attacking Israel just got easier."@NikkiHaley underscores the importance of standing with US allies: https://t.co/yqVP0VXWFW pic.twitter.com/tsRUpmwn71
— Hudson Institute (@HudsonInstitute) May 22, 2024
However, she refrained from harsh criticism of Trump, instead targeting Republicans promoting isolationism in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
“Look at what Biden has done in Ukraine. He did nothing to deter the invasion. He assumed Ukraine would fall within days.
While the Ukrainians have proven to be amazing fighters, Biden refuses to help them win. He gives them just enough to survive, while Russian missiles and…— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) May 22, 2024
In her speech, Haley positioned herself as a critic of Biden’s policies while refraining from overtly endorsing Trump, leaving room for speculation about her future role in Republican politics and her potential influence on the 2024 election.
Comments