Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley appears to be considering breaking her pledge that she wouldn’t run against President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Haley had previously said she wouldn’t run for president in 2024 if Trump confirmed his bid.
“I would not run if President Trump ran, and I would talk to him about it,” Haley said earlier.
“That’s something that we’ll have a conversation about at some point if that decision is something that has to be made.”
Trump announced his 2024 run shortly after the midterms.
However, Haley now appears to be singing a different tune.
She said at an event at her alma mater, Clemson University, that she will take the Christmas break to decide if she wants to challenge Trump in the GOP primary.
“We are taking the holidays to kind of look at what the situation is,” she said.
“If we decide to get into it, we’ll put 1,000% in, and we’ll finish it.
“I’ve never lost an election, and I’m not going to start now.”
Haley said earlier this month at a Las Vegas meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition:
“A lot of people have asked if I’m going to run for president.
“Now that the midterms are over, I’ll look at it in a serious way, and I’ll have more to say soon.
“For now, I’ll say this:
“I’ve won tough primaries and tough general elections.
“I’ve been the underdog every single time.
“When people underestimate me, it’s always fun.
“But I’ve never lost an election,” she said.
“And I’m not going to start now.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence is also seriously considering challenging Trump in the GOP primary.
Pence said his family is giving “prayerful consideration” on whether to run.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also seem certain to enter the race.
Christopher T. Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire, has also dropped massive hints he will take on Trump.
Trump spokesperson Taylor Budowich said:
“It is unfortunate to see politicians who President Trump made relevant use 2024 as life support for their political career.”
The head of Trump super PAC @MAGAIncWarRoom responds, calling @NikkiHaley a RINO and “establishment politician,” saying in part,
“It is unfortunate to see politicians who President Trump made relevant use 2024 as life support for their political career.”
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/BETgwyE3DO
— Meg Kinnard (@MegKinnardAP) November 30, 2022
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley, U.N. ambassador under President Donald Trump, said Tuesday that she would take the Christmas holiday to mull a possible 2024 presidential bid, contradicting her statement last year that she wouldn’t enter the race if Trump opted to run again.
— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) November 30, 2022