Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reaffirmed her support for former President Trump on Monday, emphasizing that her decision is rooted in policy rather than personal preference. Her stance comes after former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, questioned the principle behind Haley’s support for Trump.
Cheney, a prominent critic of Trump, expressed confusion over Haley’s shift in support, given the former ambassador’s earlier criticisms of Trump during her own presidential campaign. Cheney argued that Haley’s endorsement of Trump lacked a principled foundation.
In response, Haley defended her position as deeply principled and policy-driven. “I respect Liz Cheney’s decision, but she cannot claim that my decision is not principled. It is, indeed, based on substance,” Haley stated during an appearance on Fox News’s “FOX and Friends” on Monday. She contrasted her support for Trump with Harris’s policies, arguing that the choice was clear.
“Harris raised taxes; Trump lowered them. Harris wants to halt energy production; Trump promoted it. Harris is weak on national security; Trump was strong. Harris allowed uncontrolled immigration, while Trump took a firm stance on the border. This election is about critical issues that affect our country and our families,” Haley argued.
Haley had publicly endorsed Trump in May, following the suspension of her own GOP presidential campaign due to low poll numbers. During her campaign, she had criticized Trump but later aligned with him based on policy agreements.
“We should be very clear — if you don’t like him, say you don’t like him. But you can’t say that his policies are worse than Kamala Harris’s. That’s just not a fact,” Haley said.
Regarding her potential involvement in Trump’s campaign, Haley expressed a willingness to assist. “I’ve made it clear to him that he needs to reach out to conservative and moderate Republicans, suburban women, independents, and even some conservative Democrats. This is going to be a tight race, and he must actively seek their votes,” she explained. “As for appearing on stage with him, I am happy to be helpful. ”
Haley then clarified her motivation, stating, “I don’t want to see Kamala Harris win.”
Watch portions of the interview below:
Nikki Haley on Fox & Friends on Liz Cheney saying her support of Trump is unprincipled: "I respect her decision, but she can't say my decision is not principled. It actually is." pic.twitter.com/Txv9kpOkZK
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 9, 2024
Nikki Haley on Fox & Friends: "Donald Trump and JD Vance need to change the way they speak about women. You don't need to call Kamala dumb. She didn't get this far just by accident." pic.twitter.com/pzO6XjYgWi
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 9, 2024
