Nikki Haley Reconsiders Support for Trump as 2024 Race Heats Up

Former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley has walked back her pledge to endorse Donald Trump if he wins the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Haley said she no longer feels bound by the pledge she signed with the Republican National Committee.

When asked directly if she would endorse Trump, Nikki Haley replied “I think I’ll make what decision I want to make.” She noted that all candidates had to take the RNC pledge in order to participate in primary debates but said the party has changed since then. Haley’s comments mark a stark reversal from her previous statements committing to support the eventual GOP nominee.

Haley’s Concerns About Trump

The former ambassador explained that she has “serious concerns” about Trump running for a second term, especially in light of his continued references to “revenge” and “vindication.” Nikki Haley expressed uncertainty over whether Trump would respect the Constitution and the rule of law if reelected. “I don’t think there should ever be a president that’s above the law. I don’t think that there should ever be a president that has total immunity to do whatever they want to do,” she stated.

With Nikki Haley’s chances of winning the GOP nomination appearing slim as she continues to lose primaries to Trump, her reversal on endorsement could signal an attempt to position herself as an alternative leader of the party should Trump falter. It also demonstrates her willingness to break from her previous commitments in order to take an independent stance. Haley now seems intent on making clear that her support is not guaranteed for Trump or any candidate, as she eyes future political opportunities regardless of the 2024 outcome.