Updated Jul 16, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Nikki Haley gives Trump "strong endorsement" at Republican National Convention

Erin Doherty

Former U.N. Ambassador and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Nikki Haley on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 16 in Milwaukee, Wis. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Nikki Haley formally endorsed former President Trump during the second night of the Republican National Convention, telling GOP voters that "for the sake of our nation, we have to go with Donald Trump."

Why it matters: The former U.N. ambassador invoked a message of party unity just days after Trump — who she sparred with aggressively on the campaign trail — survived an attempted assassination at his rally in Pennsylvania.

Haley said in May that she would vote for Trump, but stopped short of a formal endorsement. She largely stayed out of the political fray since she suspended her presidential campaign in March.
Back in February, Haley said she felt "no need to kiss the ring" and slammed Republicans who "publicly embrace" Trump but "privately dread him."

Haley was not originally planning to speak at the RNC, but Trump's campaign invited her to speak following the events over the weekend.

"It was a gracious invitation and I was happy to accept," Haley said Tuesday.

Driving the news: "You don't have to agree with Trump 100% of the time to vote for him," Haley said during the Republican National Convention.

"Take it from me. I haven't always agreed with President Trump, but we agree more often than we disagree."
"I'm here tonight because we have a country to save and a unified Republican Party is essential for saving her," Haley said.

Zoom in: Trump may try to use Haley's support to try to boost his support among moderate Republicans, particularly in key suburban counties in swing states, a demographic that Trump sometimes struggled to court during the primary.

Instead of the barbs directed towards Trump that were commonplace during her campaign speeches, Haley on Tuesday took aim at President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The other side: "Ambassador Haley said it best herself: someone who doesn't respect our military, doesn't know right from wrong, and 'surrounds himself in chaos' can't be president," said Austin Weatherford, the Biden-Harris campaign's head of GOP outreach, in an emailed statement Tuesday night, in reference to Haley's past criticism of Trump.

Go deeper: Nikki Haley says she'll vote for Trump in November

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Austin Weatherford, the Biden-Harris campaign's head of GOP outreach.

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Nikki Haley gives Trump "strong endorsement" at Republican National Convention

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