Nikki Haley to Vote for Trump Despite Previous Criticisms

Nikki Haley, Donald Trump’s persistent critic during the Republican primaries, announced her intention to vote for Trump in November. Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, her first appearance since dropping out in March, Haley was asked about national security preferences between Joe Biden and Trump. She listed priorities for a president, emphasizing support for allies, holding enemies accountable, capitalism, freedom, and reducing national debt.

“Trump has not been perfect on these policies,” Haley admitted. “But Biden has been a catastrophe. So I will be voting for Trump.”

Haley added, “I stand by what I said in my suspension speech. Trump should reach out to my supporters and not assume they’ll be with him. I hope he does that.”

Haley joins Mitch McConnell, William Barr, and Chris Sununu in supporting Trump despite previous opposition. During the primaries, Haley criticized Trump for “moral weakness” and “chaos.” Trump dismissed the idea of Haley as a running mate.

Haley’s endorsement prompted backlash. Sarah Longwell from the conservative Bulwark tweeted, “Nikki Haley said Trump should earn votes but is still falling in line.” Joe Walsh, ex-Republican congressman, remarked, “Haley believes Trump is unfit but won’t say so to preserve her career.”

Despite dropping out in March, Haley still garners up to 20% support in contests, posing a challenge for Trump. Trump dismissed appealing to Haley’s voters, whereas Biden welcomed them, stating in Atlanta, “There’s always a place for Haley voters in my campaign.”

Earlier at the Hudson Institute, Haley criticized far-right Republicans favoring “America first” isolationism, without naming Trump. She praised House Speaker Mike Johnson for pushing aid for Israel and Ukraine through Congress, warning against isolationism.

“A loud part of each party wants us to abandon our allies, appease our enemies, and focus only on domestic problems,” Haley said. “This worldview has already put America in great danger and the threat is mounting by the day.”