Former presidential candidate backs Trump despite previous rivalry, signalling her continued involvement in GOP politics.

Nikki Haley has confirmed that she will vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election, despite previously being one of his key rivals in the Republican race. The former governor of South Carolina made the announcement during a speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington, following her exit from the presidential race earlier this year.

“I will be voting for Trump,” Haley stated during a question-and-answer session. While showing her support, she also reiterated her earlier comments about Trump’s need to connect with the millions of voters who had backed her campaign.

Haley used the opportunity to criticise the current president, Joe Biden, labelling his leadership a “catastrophe.” She went on to challenge Biden’s stance on Israel and questioned the US’s commitment to Ukraine, drawing attention to his inconsistency in foreign policy.

Although Haley’s voters have continued to show their preference for her in the primaries, signalling some reluctance towards fully supporting Trump, her endorsement marks a significant shift. Trump’s campaign now faces a challenge to unite the party, as Haley’s followers have shown a hesitant stance towards backing the former president, especially with ongoing legal trials surrounding him.

Her backing of Trump also suggests she plans to remain a prominent figure in GOP politics, a contrast to other centre-right Republicans who have distanced themselves from the former president. However, her decision to support Trump in the upcoming election raises questions about the GOP’s future direction, especially after her previous remarks about the former president’s impact on the party.

Despite her endorsement, reports indicate that Trump’s campaign has not made substantial efforts to reach out to Haley and her allies, indicating potential tensions within the party as it prepares for the 2024 race.