Trump Makes Major Announcement On His VP Search

Tensions within the Republican Party are apparent, particularly between former President Donald Trump and one of his former rivals.

Despite Nikki Haley suspending her presidential campaign in March, making Trump the presumptive Republican nominee, a significant rift between them lingers. This week, Trump delivered a statement via Truth Social reading: “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well! DJT.”

The announcement confirmed that Haley will not join Trump on the ticket as he prepares for the general election battle against Joe Biden this November. Her supporters, along with some prominent Republicans, continue to criticize Trump’s approach and remain skeptical about his election prospects.

Haley, the last contender against the former president, joined the Hudson Institute in April. The Washington, D.C.-based think tank, which focuses on international affairs and national security, will now benefit from Haley’s experience as a two-term governor of South Carolina and her tenure as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration. Haley, honored with the Hudson Institute’s global leadership award in 2018 while serving as U.N. ambassador, will now take on the role of the institute’s Walter P. Stern Chair.

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“Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy,” said Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters. “In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity. We are honored to have her join the Hudson team.”

Haley’s decision to withhold her endorsement from Trump could have significant repercussions. If Trump loses the election in November and Haley continues not to support him, parts of the GOP’s conservative base may hold her responsible. This could potentially jeopardize her prospects for future presidential campaigns or her broader political career within the GOP.

Haley has said that Trump must initiate outreach to her and her supporters to unify the GOP, but Trump’s campaign insists the party is already united behind him. Despite frequent criticisms of Haley during the primaries, Trump has recently been silent, focusing on his trial. Meanwhile, some Republican donors are pressuring Haley to be the one to initiate unity according to Axios.

Trump’s list of potential running mates has reportedly narrowed to four key figures: Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). Trump has indicated that he speaks regularly with all the contenders, suggesting a robust behind-the-scenes dialogue about the future direction of the party and the country. After discovering that North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R-ND) detailed an incident involving the killing of a puppy in her memoir, her prospects for the 2024 elections seem compromised.

A source familiar with Trump’s circle commented, “She was already unlikely to be picked as VP, but had a shot. After this, it’s just impossible.” In her book, Noem reflected on the harsh realities of rural life, recounting the difficult decision to kill a 14-month-old wire-haired pointer named Cricket after it killed a neighbor’s chicken, citing the dog’s “aggressive personality” and labeling it as “untrainable” for hunting.

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