Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention, giving her "strong endorsement" to former President Donald Trump. While acknowledging that not everyone agrees with Trump 100% of the time, Haley urged Republicans to unite behind him in this year's election.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took the stage at the Republican National Convention amid a mixture of cheers and boos, marking a highly anticipated appearance by a one-time fierce primary rival of former President Donald Trump.
Haley, who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations before running against him, gave the former president her "strong endorsement" during her speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her announcement ended months of speculation about whether she would throw her support behind her former rival.
Nikki Haley Endorses Donald Trump with a Cautious Message of Unity
However, the initial reaction to Haley's arrival stood in stark contrast to that of Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Trump's chief primary rival during the 2016 campaign. Cruz received a standing ovation from those in attendance, including Trump himself.
Despite the initial mixed reception, Haley attempted to send a message of unity, acknowledging that not everyone has to agree with Trump 100% to support him in this year's election.
Nikki Haley Endorses Donald Trump with a Cautious Message of Unity
"You don’t have to agree with Trump 100 percent of the time to vote for him," Haley said. "Take it from me. I haven’t always agreed with President Trump. But we agree more often than we disagree."
Haley's embrace of Trump was not always a sure bet. She had previously criticized the former president's policies and rhetoric, and had even considered running against him in the 2020 Republican primary.
Nikki Haley Endorses Donald Trump with a Cautious Message of Unity
However, after a failed assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, a message of unifying behind the former president soon spread across the Republican Party.
Haley was followed on stage by another former Trump primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who continued to preach the message of unity during his remarks.
Nikki Haley Endorses Donald Trump with a Cautious Message of Unity
"My fellow Republicans, let's send Joe Biden back to his basement and let's send Donald Trump back to the White House," DeSantis said. "Life was more affordable when Donald Trump was president, our border was safer under the Trump administration, and our country was respected when Donald Trump was our commander in chief."
Haley's endorsement of Trump is seen as a significant boost to the former president's campaign, as she is a popular figure among Republican voters. However, it remains to be seen whether Haley's message of unity will be enough to overcome the divisions within the Republican Party and unify the party behind Trump in the 2024 election.
In her speech, Haley also criticized President Joe Biden's policies, calling him a "weak" leader who has "failed" the American people. She urged voters to support Trump to restore American greatness.
"We need a leader who will stand up to our enemies, who will fight for our values, and who will make America great again," Haley said. "That leader is Donald Trump."
