US Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley has asserted that she will not definitively reject the possibility of becoming Donald Trump's running mate if he extends the offer. Despite speculation among her rivals and some Republicans that she may be aiming for the vice-presidential position on the 2024 GOP ticket, Haley, a former South Carolina governor and ex-ambassador to the United Nations, has consistently denied running for second place, though she has not explicitly stated she would decline Trump's offer.
However, she has now explained the reason for not publicly dismissing the offer. In an interview published on December 5 with the New Hampshire Union Leader, Haley stated, “First of all, it’s highly offensive to think I would go through all of this to run for vice president. I am fighting to become president, and I’m going to win.”
Haley anticipated that refusing to rule out being Trump's VP would become "the news for days," diverting attention from her recent polling gains against Trump in New Hampshire, where a new survey places her within four percentage points of the 45th president.
In the US, Trump maintains a significant lead in the primary polls, averaging 50 points over his closest competitor, according to RealClearPolitics.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' campaign has been particularly focused on rumors about Haley's potential partnership with Trump, launching a microsite to track these claims. DeSantis himself has pressed Haley for a direct answer on whether she would accept a vice-presidential nomination from Donald Trump.
Trump's inner circle has publicly expressed concerns that the former president might seriously consider Haley for the position. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon speculated that a "big fight" would emerge over the issue in the spring.
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., stated in an interview in December that he would personally intervene to prevent Haley from becoming his father's VP. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, a Trump supporter, also criticized the potential partnership, saying he would not only refrain from voting for that ticket but would actively advocate against it.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, another Trump supporter, labeled the choice a "mistake" but affirmed her continued backing of the ex-president. She previously stated she would accept the VP spot "in a heartbeat" if Trump were to offer it.
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