Nikki Haley once warned that Trump becoming the Republican presidential nominee would be “suicide for our country” and that “everything Trump touches turns to chaos.” But on Wednesday, she forgot all of her own dire warnings and stated she plans to vote for him in November. Unfortunately for her, the internet never forgets.
Speaking at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think-tank she chairs, Haley said, “Trump has not been perfect on these policies, but Biden has been a catastrophe. So I will be voting for Trump.”
“As a voter, I put my priorities on a president who’s going to have the backs of our allies and hold our enemies to account, who would secure the border, who would support capitalism and freedom, who understands we need less debt not more debt,” Haley said, while stopping short of a full-throated endorsement.
“That’s not Donald Trump. That’s not his record in office,” former Trump national security adviser John Bolton shot back at Haley’s explanation during an appearance on CNN.
The internet did what the internet does and resurfaced clips of criticisms Haley previously made against Trump in response to her announcement.
“If you mock the service of a combat veteran, you don't deserve a driver's license, let alone being President of the United States.”
— Skyleigh Heinen-Uhrich (@Sky_Lee_1) May 22, 2024
-@NikkiHaley on Trump in February of this year yes a few months ago.
You’re a traitor to Veterans… pic.twitter.com/mq27cfZlcq
Many decried her heel turn as an act of cowardice, adding hers to the ranks of similar pivots from Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. While some speculated Haley’s vote was an effort to nab a vice presidential spot, Trump reportedly released an email Wednesday night announcing, “Nikki Haley not under VP consideration! But, I wish her well …”
“There goes her reputation, permanently,” one user posted in response to news of Haley’s vote.
“Nikki Haley’s transformation is almost complete. The only thing left to do is shoot a puppy,” another mused.
Haley’s choice to kiss the ring angered her supporters, many of whom rallied behind her in protest against Trump’s extreme agenda.
Lol when she said she won’t kiss the ring https://t.co/x4ew9ehc0x
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) May 22, 2024
“Stop with the bullsh!t,” wrote former RNC chairman Michael Steele. “You could have said this on the day you suspended your campaign. Continue to support you?! The people who voted for you will not be voting for Trump. That was the point. I wish I could say I am disappointed. I am not even surprised.”
The Biden campaign renewed its invitation to Haley voters to join their campaign, which Biden first issued in March after Haley announced the end of her presidential campaign.
“Nikki Haley voters, Donald Trump doesn’t want your vote. I want to be clear: There is a place for you in my campaign,” Biden wrote at the time.
