Nikki Haley Exits Republican Presidential Race, Urges Trump to Earn Support
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has announced her exit from the Republican presidential race, urging presumptive nominee Donald Trump to “earn” the support of voters who previously backed her. Haley made the announcement in Charleston, South Carolina, following a series of losses in GOP nominating contests on Super Tuesday. Although she congratulated Trump, she did not endorse him, emphasizing the importance of independent thinking and decision-making. However, sources familiar with her plans suggest that she may endorse Trump ahead of the general election.
During her address, Haley also criticized Trump’s isolationist foreign policy views, stating that America’s retreat has set the world on fire. She stressed the moral imperative of standing by allies such as Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, warning that further retreat would only lead to more conflict. Despite being the last major candidate to be defeated by Trump in the GOP primary, Haley had little hope of keeping up with him as the race shifted into a higher gear, with a national focus and winner-take-all contests awarding a majority of delegates.
Haley’s exit from the race highlights how little sway arguments about electability had over Republican voters. Despite general election polls showing that Haley had a stronger position against Democratic nominee Joe Biden, the party’s base remained loyal to Trump, who persistently claimed that he lost the 2020 election due to widespread fraud. Trump quickly garnered support from other former 2024 candidates, while Haley failed to rally a similar rush of endorsements. Even though she became the first Republican woman to win two primary contests in Vermont and the District of Columbia, her victories did not translate into a significant delegate count.
Haley’s campaign faced numerous challenges throughout its duration. Initially polling in the low single digits, she gained momentum after the first GOP primary debate due to her stance on abortion and foreign policy experience. Wealthy Republicans and some Democrats seeking an alternative to Trump started rallying behind her, and she received endorsements from influential figures such as billionaire Charles Koch and Governor Chris Sununu. However, her rivals began scrutinizing her record, attempting to portray her as a candidate beholden to donors. Haley faced criticism for comments about the cause of the Civil War, her views on race, and her tough stance on China.
The race between Trump and Haley grew increasingly personal, with the former president resorting to false claims about her eligibility to be president and mocking her on social media. In response, Haley questioned Trump’s mental competence and criticized his disrespect for the military. Despite their clashes, Trump claimed to have encouraged Haley to run and wished her luck after her announcement. Haley’s exit from the race marks a turning point in her political career, which began in 2004 with a victory in a state House seat primary. She went on to serve as South Carolina’s governor for six years before becoming Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.
While Haley’s presidential campaign may have come to an end, her influence and political trajectory remain significant. Her departure from the Trump administration raised speculation about her future plans, and she briefly served on Boeing’s board before resigning in the wake of discussions about seeking Covid-19 relief funding. Haley’s predictions about Trump’s political future have proven inaccurate, and she has expressed willingness to support his campaign if he decides to run again. As a longtime rising star in the GOP, Nikki Haley’s impact on American politics is far from over.
