1 week ago
Last Updated:November 10, 2024, 09:21 IST
While Haley's exclusion from Trump's incoming cabinet was unsurprising, Pompeo was tipped as a contender for defence secretary at one point.
Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo were excluding from Trump's next administration despite endorsing his campaign. (Reuters)
US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would not invite former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley or his ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to join his incoming administration following a resounding victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
“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. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Nikki Haley, the Indian-origin Republican leader, was Trump’s final challenger in the fierce GOP primaries earlier this year as they fought to become their party’s candidate for the White House. Haley strongly criticised Trump during the race, calling him “unhinged" at one point, but failed to outshine him in the primaries and eventually endorsed him for the White House.
Why Were Haley And Pompeo Excluded?
Pompeo was criticised by Trump’s supporters for not being supportive enough during the presidential campaign. Many of Trump’s closest allies have accused Haley and Pompeo of being so-called deep state moles, saying they would plot to undermine his ‘America First’ agenda, according to BBC.
However, Pompeo’s exclusion from the administration was more surprising as he was tipped as a contender for secretary of defence. According to Forbes, Trump previously said on the Hugh Hewitt Radio Show that he had “four or five good choices" for defence secretary, including some names like: Sen. Tom Cotton, Rep. Mike Waltz and Pompeo.
Pompeo had led Trump’s diplomatic blitz in the Middle East and often locked horns with the press in defence of his boss. However, influential voices within the Trump-world have been lobbying against Pompeo and Haley, including veteran political strategist Roger Stone.
Former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was also not asked by Trump to return, contrary to a Financial Times report, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
What Is Trump Doing Now?
As the results came in, the President-elect spared no time to get to work. Trump announced the formation of an inaugural committee, which would plan and celebrate his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The committee will be co-chaired by long-term Trump allies: Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffer.
Trump also appointed his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, as the top aide in his new administration. Susie Wiles will be the first woman in US history to hold the role of White House Chief of Staff. She is recognised for orchestrating his most disciplined and effectively managed campaign to date.
Meanwhile, outgoing US President Joe Biden will meet Trump at the Oval Office on Wednesday, said the White House in a statement. Such a post-election meeting is traditional between the outgoing president and the incoming president.
(with agency inputs)
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:November 10, 2024, 09:21 IST
News world Nikki Haley, Mike Pompeo Excluded From Trump 2.0 Administration
