Former President Donald Trump addressed reports that he’s eyeing Nikki Haley as a possible running mate, saying that she’s “not under consideration.”
“Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Saturday.
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier had scoffed at reports Haley was on Trump’s VP shortlist.
“Only President Trump will rule a contender for Vice President in or out, and anyone claiming to know who he will choose is lying,” Leavitt posted on X.
Only President Trump will rule a contender for Vice President in or out, and anyone claiming to know who he will choose is lying. https://t.co/cnK0e5E6jI
— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) May 11, 2024
The former president’s remarks come a day after sources told Axios that Haley was under active consideration by Trump’s campaign to be his running mate.
“The GOP rivals’ relationship remains chilly. But the sources said Trump could pick Haley if he were convinced she’d help him win the presidency, avoid a potential prison sentence and cover tens of millions in legal bills if he loses,” the outlet reported.
Scoop: Trump quietly moves Nikki Haley off his blacklist, Axios is reporting this morning pic.twitter.com/Lp5DTs5k3w
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) May 11, 2024
NEW from Axios: Nikki Haley is under active consideration by Donald Trump's campaign to be his running mate pic.twitter.com/Of0Z7uIC0h
— Reaganite
(@emperoreaganite) May 11, 2024
“A reconciliation with Haley, his former UN ambassador, also could help Trump cut attract some of the college-educated Republicans who have kept voting for her in primaries even after she dropped out.”
Axios’ reporting was especially curious given Haley has so far refused to endorse Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.