Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley recently recounted rejecting an approach from an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, who had hinted at securing a position for her in Trump’s incoming administration.
Haley, 52, shared details of a conversation with Steve Witkoff, a close friend of Trump and a fellow real estate magnate. Witkoff reportedly visited Haley in South Carolina, showing interest in mending ties between her and Trump, as they had both competed in the 2024 Republican primary.
“I had no interest in being in [Trump’s] cabinet,” Haley clarified during her weekly SiriusXM broadcast, “Nikki Haley Live.”
Witkoff’s visit to Haley’s home, where he spoke with both her and her husband, was intended as an effort to establish peace between her and Trump, who had previously been rivals.
“I told him at the time there was no truce needed, that Trump had my support. There was no issues on my end. At that point, he was like, ‘What do you want? Tell me what you want. Is there anything you want?’ I said, ‘There’s nothing I want,’” Haley recounted.
Earlier in the week, it was announced that Trump had appointed Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East.
The 67-year-old businessman had also been present with Trump during a golf game at Trump’s West Palm Beach, Fla., course on Sept. 15, where a Secret Service agent intervened to thwart an attempt on the former president’s life.
Reports suggest that Trump, 78, was angered by Haley’s prolonged presence in the GOP primary race until March, even though her chances of winning had significantly diminished.
Eyewitnesses noted Trump’s displeasure as he observed Haley’s speech at the July Republican National Convention, contrasting his visible amusement during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ address.
On Saturday, Trump publicly declared that he would not be inviting Haley back for a role in his next administration.
“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation. I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
In her response, Haley expressed pride in her past work with Trump, adding, “I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward.”
During her SiriusXM show, Haley revealed that her husband and son felt she should have been firmer, clarifying that she was not interested in any position.
“The truth is, I know the game he was playing. I don’t need to play that game, but more importantly, we have to look at the bigger picture. It is time to move on,” she elaborated.
“Do I take it personally? No, that’s who he is. He can be shallow at times, and I think he showed that.”
Haley also disclosed a conversation with Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team and CEO of the financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald.
“What I said is, I think it’s really important that Trump surrounds himself with people that are going to tell him the truth, and I mentioned someone I thought would be good for commerce secretary and mentioned that I thought the UN ambassador should be a cabinet pick,” Haley recounted.
“I did not ask anything for me.”
{Matzav.com}
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