The news about the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign team actively considering Nikki Haley as his running mate is generating buzz. However, Trump quickly dismissed this speculation, refuting the reports from the media.
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to American media Axios, there were considerations for Haley to join Trump as his running mate.
On Saturday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Nikki Haley has not been considered for Vice President, but I wish her all the best!”
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Haley, announced her withdrawal from the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race on March 6. She was the last Republican presidential candidate to drop out and posed as one of the strongest challengers to Trump within the Republican Party.
Despite engaging in fierce competition with Trump during the Republican primaries and having disagreements on some major issues, Axios’ report suggests that some Republicans close to both campaign teams believe that a reconciliation between Haley and Trump serves their mutual interests.
Trump not only needs to bridge the fundraising gap compared to his Democratic opponent, the incumbent President Biden, but also cover legal expenses. Simultaneously, Haley maintains deep connections with donors who are cautious towards Trump.
Reconciling with Haley could also help Trump attract some college-educated Republicans. Even after Haley announced her exit from the race, some of these voters continued to support her during the Republican primaries, indicating her influence over this demographic.
In the Indiana Republican primary on Tuesday, Haley garnered over 20% of the vote. This primary also allowed Democrats and independents to participate in the Republican race.
Being Trump’s running mate could also benefit Haley. Axios analysis suggests that Haley has not endorsed Trump yet, and if she continues not to support him, most conservative Republicans could blame her if Trump loses the presidential election in November. This could jeopardize her future presidential candidacy or political career within the Republican Party. Representatives for both Trump and Haley declined to comment.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Haley is set to host around 100 top donors in South Carolina on Monday (May 13) and Tuesday (May 14) to express gratitude for their support towards her presidential campaign.
Previously, she mentioned that if Trump wants to unite the party, he is responsible to engage with her and her supporters. Some Republican donors are increasingly pressured to push Haley to take the first step towards unity.
Earlier analysis suggested that Haley’s attacks on Trump during the campaign could sway moderate Republicans. Those moderate supporters of Haley could potentially shift their allegiance to Biden in the November presidential election, support a potential third-party candidate, or opt out of voting. This scenario could be the worst-case for Trump.
Biden’s campaign team is also running ads aimed at attracting Haley’s cautious voters towards Trump.