Pompeo will not join second administration
- Trump says will not invite Haley, Pompeo to join his admin.
- Says enjoyed working with both, thanks them for their services.
- Will meet potential candidates before Jan 20 inaugural.
WASHINGTON: Presidentelect Donald Trump announced Saturday that former Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike will not join second administration.
“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Pompeo, to join second administration of Trump, which is currently in formation,” Trump posted on social media.
“I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our country.” Both take decision to not join second administration of Trump.
Nikki Haley: Former UN Ambassador with Presidential Ambitions
Nikki Haley, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s first term, has long been viewed as a key figure in the Republican Party and not join second administration. Known for her international experience, diplomatic acumen, and independence, Haley has often taken a distinct path compared to her peers.
A Divergence in Political Goals
One of the primary reasons for Haley’s not join second Trump administration is her presidential aspirations. Since stepping down from her UN position in 2018, Haley has actively positioned herself as a future leader of the Republican Party. Her ambitions were underscored by her recent 2024 presidential campaign, indicating a vision for a new era of Republican leadership—one that diverges from Trump’s approach. Aligning herself with another Trump administration could limit her ability to forge her brand as a conservative yet independent voice.
Trump is meeting with potential candidates to serve in his administration before his January 20 inauguration as president. Reuters reported Friday that Trump met with prominent investor Scott Bessent, who is a potential US Treasury Secretary nominee.
Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, endorsed Trump for president despite having criticized him harshly when she ran against him in the party primaries.
Mike Pompeo will not join, who also served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency under Trump, has been mentioned in some media reports as a possible defense secretary and had been also seen a potential Republican presidential candidate, before he announced in April 2023 he would not run.
Eyeing Political Independence
Since leaving and not join second administration, Pompeo has focused on strengthening his image as a national security expert and conservative thought leader, with aspirations of his own. While Pompeo has yet to formally announce his future plans, political experts believe he may be considering a presidential run or another high-profile political position. Maintaining his independence from Trump’s brand is crucial for Pompeo if he seeks to appeal to a broader base of the Republican electorate.
Strategic Separation from Trump’s Controversies
Although Pompeo was a close ally of Trump and not join second administration, he is aware that the former president’s polarizing legacy could limit his future opportunities. By not joining Trump’s administration, Pompeo distances himself from potential controversies that might arise. This move enables him to preserve his political capital, positioning himself as a valuable Republican leader without the associations that may limit his support among moderate conservatives.
Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday.
During his first term as president, Trump made some key personnel announcements via social media posts.
Separately, Trump said the 2025 presidential inauguration will be co-chaired by real estate investor and campaign donor Steve Witkoff and former Senator Kelly Loeffler.