United States: Former President Donald Trump has rubbished the rumors related to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s selection as his Vice President. Recently, Axios reported that both could be getting closure in the near future.
Former President Trump took his official account in Truth Social and announced that he would not be choosing Nikki Haley as his contender for VP. The Republican Frontrunner’s post on the social media application read, “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the VP slot, but I wish her well! DJT.”
Rumours by Axios!
According to the reports, Haley was under “active consideration” by the former President. However, it is to be noted that President Trump has not yet been endorsed for the presidency by the former South Carolina Gov. since dropping out of the primary in March after critical lose on Super Tuesday, according to the reports mentioned by the Washington Explainer.
Reportedly, there has long persisted the notion of Trump’s inclination towards a female counterpart for the vice presidency — names such as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the erstwhile centrist Democrat now turned independent Tulsi Gabbard, and South Dakota’s Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) were once whispered on his roster.
However, Haley seemed to have voluntarily withdrawn herself from the running, possibly influenced by Trump’s remarks prior to the New Hampshire primary in January and their contentious relationship.
“Her adequacy is passable, yet she lacks the gravitas of a presidential candidate,” Trump remarked. “And by that assertion, it is unlikely she shall ascend to the role of vice president,” he added, according to the reports by the Washington Explainer.
Haley herself echoed similar sentiments at that juncture, firmly stating her disinterest. Yet, it is worth noting this stance coincided with Haley’s competitive position vis-à-vis Trump during the primaries, as she endeavored to court the more moderate faction within the Republican Party.
This latter aspect could theoretically make her an appealing choice for Trump. Nevertheless, there remains apprehension that such a selection might antagonize Trump’s inner circle and the more conservative electorate.
Despite Haley’s notable divergence of support from Trump during this year’s primary, her appeal to the moderate segment could potentially aid the former President in diverting votes from President Joe Biden.
In July of 2016, Trump designated Mike Pence as his running mate, despite Pence’s belated endorsement.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is presently the frontrunner in the speculation surrounding Trump’s potential vice presidential nominee, with Gabbard and North Dakota’s Governor Doug Burgum trailing behind him.