Haley is not happy.
Nikki Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently revealed a behind-the-scenes interaction with one of President Donald Trump’s close allies, which shed light on her stance toward serving in a potential second Trump administration. During a recent episode of her SiriusXM show, Nikki Haley Live, the 52-year-old former governor of South Carolina recounted how Trump’s longtime friend, real estate mogul Steve Witkoff, approached her with an offer to reconcile the differences between her and the former president ahead of the 2024 election.
Haley emphasized that she had no interest in joining Trump’s administration again. Witkoff, who is now serving as Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, made the overture at her South Carolina home, where he suggested a truce between Haley and Trump. Despite past tensions during the 2016 GOP primaries and their differing approaches in the 2024 race, Haley made it clear that she had no hard feelings toward Trump. “I told him at the time, there was no truce needed. Trump had my full support,” Haley explained.
When Witkoff pressed further, asking what she wanted from the conversation, Haley’s response was firm and unequivocal: “There’s nothing I want.”
This incident underscores the complex relationship between Haley and Trump, who have occasionally clashed but also worked together during his first term. Trump, however, has made it clear that he is not considering Haley for a role in his next administration. In a recent post on Truth Social, the former president stated that while he appreciated Haley’s service in the past, he would not be inviting her back into his Cabinet.
Haley, who has kept her own presidential ambitions alive despite Trump’s dominance in the GOP field, responded diplomatically, saying she was “proud” of her work with the former president and wished him success. However, she also made clear that she wasn’t interested in a position in his new administration, choosing instead to focus on the future of the Republican Party.
In her comments, Haley also revealed that she had spoken with Howard Lutnick, a key figure in Trump’s transition team, and suggested individuals who could help shape the future of the party, including potential candidates for roles like Secretary of Commerce. But, as she emphasized, she was not looking for anything for herself.
Haley’s measured response highlights her commitment to advancing conservative values without getting bogged down by personal political games. Her focus remains on the broader picture: ensuring the Republican Party moves forward united and stronger. This pragmatism, along with her past experience on the world stage, keeps her as a significant figure in the 2024 GOP landscape, regardless of what role she may or may not play in the Trump administration moving forward.