Former President Donald J. Trump hinted at the possibility of bringing former rival Nikki Haley into his team, signaling a potential reconciliation between the two. This development follows Haley’s recent declaration of support for Trump in the upcoming election, a significant move given their contentious past during the Republican primary race. Trump’s rare praise for Haley, calling her “a very capable person,” marks a notable shift from the frequent attacks they exchanged during the primaries, where Trump often insulted Haley, and she, in turn, referred to him as “unhinged.”
Trump’s outreach to Haley aligns with his broader strategy of incorporating former GOP opponents, such as Governor Doug Burgum, Senator Tim Scott, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, into his campaign efforts. By considering Haley, Trump seems to recognize her potential value in rallying voter support and securing financial contributions, crucial for a competitive race against President Biden. Despite exiting the primary contest, Haley has maintained a strong voter base and significant donor connections, exemplified by her recent role at the Hudson Institute, which could be beneficial for Trump’s campaign.