After being snubbed in Donald Trump’s latest presidency, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley had a few words about it, wishing Trump well in his new administration and wishing him luck. Some were surprised she made such a statement given that Haley had actively sought the Republican primary earlier in 2024 in an attempt to become the GOP’s choice for the White House.
Trump’s Announcement on Truth Social
Days after the 2024 election, Trump admitted that neither Haley nor former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would join his administration this time around. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, “I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation.” He then continued by thanking them for their service saying, “I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously.” Trump concluded by throwing in a shoutout to his popular slogan, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” This announcement sparked all sorts of speculation. Haley, who’s been governor and later during Trump’s first term, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., was not bitter in response.
Instead, she tweeted on X that she is proud of the work she did with Trump and wishes him and his team all the best as they move forward over the next four years to “move America forward to a stronger, safer place.” It was professional and sounded nice even though being left out may have been a little disappointing.
I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years. pic.twitter.com/6PhWN6xn1B
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 10, 2024The History of Trump and Haley’s Relationship
Haley’s relationship with Trump has been mixed with loyalty and criticism over the years. She did not doubt targeting him on certain issues but always stayed within the broader Republican platform. Just last week, she wrote an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal, endorsing Trump despite some past differences.
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“I don’t agree with Mr. Trump 100% of the time,” she said, adding that her disagreements with Vice President Kamala Harris were far stronger, making it “an easy call” to support Trump over the Democratic ticket.
It is worth mentioning here that Haley’s balanced response shows how easily she can stand up for Trump without forgetting their differences. To my eye, Haley’s response looks mature and smart. If she stands publicly to support Trump, she might be able to stay in the spotlight of the GOP, even when her time in the cabinet remains short. This is one of the timely strategies politicians play when party dynamics are concerned, and Haley seems to be playing pretty well.
Pompeo’s Quiet Support
Another candidate announced by Trump is Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo was relatively quiet lately as Trump came back. Pompeo used to be Trump’s CIA director but rarely accompanied Trump to the 2024 campaign trail. But Pompeo did support Trump, writing a letter to sign in support of more than 400 supporters for him for president.
Pompeo’s stance is pretty interesting. Based on current analysis, he is a bit conservative and does not want to burn any bridges in case he wants to run for office one day. Politics like Pompeo’s often try to hedge one’s bets by keeping options open, and this seems to be the approach here as well.
Trump’s Team Takes Shape
The Shape of Trump’s Team Since he won on November 5, Trump has been making his team for the second term. He appointed Susie Wiles, who managed his 2024 campaign, as his White House Chief of Staff. He praised her leadership skills and entrusted her with the task of helping to achieve his administration’s goals. He also declared that his inauguration will be co-chaired by a real estate investor, Steve Witkoff, and former Senator Kelly Loeffler.
READ | Trump Appoints Susie Wiles as First Female White House Chief of Staff
They’ll lead the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, created to plan events to celebrate Trump’s victory. The inaugural committee’s theme revolves around celebrating American values and people. Trump called it a “celebration of the American people,” noting it marked the beginning of an administration dedicated to making the U.S. “stronger and more successful.”
Looking Forward to January 20
As is conventional, Trump will be inaugurated officially on 20 January 2025 at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The JCCIC will stage the show, which will include the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural address by Donald Trump as well as a review of the troops.
This may be one of the more talked-about inaugurations of the year, owing to the uniqueness of Trump’s political resurgence. After all, he is going to make history, returning for a second term after a defeat in 2020. For his supporters, this will represent a view of the realization of Trump’s words regarding a “greater America.” For others, however, they may look forward to how he will grapple with the trials he now faces in the midst, from the international to the domestic.
My Take on the Situation
That was a smart decision by Nikki Haley, to agree to send out a congratulatory letter to Trump. One comes to realize that she’s a team player in supporting her party, which would gain her greater credibility in the eyes of the Republican Party. It could even make it possible for her to find a place there if his administration needs a shake-up. Haley is always known as a strong and resilient figure, and this only comes to exhibit that she’s all ears and willing to stay relevant by supporting her party.
On the other hand, Haley and Pompeo’s exclusion shows that Trump wants a new team. He is likely to form a new group that may be entirely compliant with his policies even at the cost of having some of his experienced hands left behind. This approach, however, could be dangerous since the advice and perspectives Haley and Pompeo could offer may be missed. Now that things are moving on, it would be really interesting if Haley, Pompeo, or some other high-profile GOP figure could find some unofficial role in the odyssey of Trump’s politics. For now, Haley is taking the high road in showing class and a degree of strategy in her response.
Analysis by Atul Raj
