Nikki Haley faces backlash for her response to Trump’s decision to exclude her from second administration
WASHINGTON, DC: Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations under Donald Trump's first administration, has faced online ridicule after she responded politely to the president-elect's decision to exclude her from his second term.
Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, began the process of forming his new administration by announcing Susie Wiles as his pick for White House chief of staff.
Donald Trump excludes Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo from second administration
Donald Trump also revealed on Saturday that Nikki Haley, along with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, would not be part of his cabinet. In a Truth Social post, Trump thanked both Haley and Pompeo for their previous service, saying, "I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our country."
In response, Haley took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I’m proud to have worked with President Trump and wish him and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.”
I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years. pic.twitter.com/6PhWN6xn1B
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 10, 2024
Nikki Haley’s gracious response to exclusion from Donald Trump’s cabinet sparks backlash
While Nikki Haley's response appeared diplomatic and respectful, some on social media were quick to mock her tone.
Brian Tyler Cohen, a political commentator and frequent Trump critic, wrote on X, “Jesus Christ @NikkiHaley have an ounce of dignity, please.”
Jesus Christ @NikkiHaley have an ounce of dignity, please. pic.twitter.com/39ROYZnKOk
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) November 10, 2024
Similarly, Ana Navarro-Cardenas, a Republican strategist who has opposed Trump, tweeted, “Kamala Harris lost the election. Nikki Haley lost her dignity.”
Kamala Harris lost the election.
— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) November 10, 2024
Nikky Haley lost her dignity. https://t.co/H6uAyjDgRi
Haley’s response to being excluded from Trump’s second term seemed to fuel criticism from both Trump opponents and some who had once been sympathetic to her. Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, reacted by laughing at her post, repeatedly writing “LOL.” Maya Contreras, a writer who has often criticized Trump, added, “Oh @NikkiHaley you sold your soul to the devil and he didn’t even want it. Embarrassing.”
Oh @NikkiHaley you sold your soul to the devil and he didn’t even want it. Embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/mTlnBwqGHz
— Maya Contreras (@mayatcontreras) November 10, 2024
Even former Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, weighed in. He tweeted, “All that kissing a@@ for nothing,” alluding to Haley’s efforts to gain Trump’s favor during the Republican primaries.
All that kissing a@@ for nothing https://t.co/5kmnF5gnPA
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) November 10, 2024
One user said, "Destroyed your entire political career! Enjoy retirement!"
Another replied, "Wow keep embarrassing yourself"
Wow keep embarrassing yourself
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) November 10, 2024
One commented, "Painful to read this. You'll never have a place in this new GOP. Shame on you for failing to stand up for what is right."
Painful to read this. You'll never have a place in this new GOP. Shame on you for failing to stand up for what is right.
— Trump’s Lies (Commentary) (@MAGALieTracker) November 10, 2024
This wave of social media backlash contrasts with Haley’s earlier statements. In the lead-up to the election, she had run against Trump for the Republican nomination, with tensions rising between the two.
Despite heated primary rivalry, Nikki Haley and Donald Trump part on amicable terms
Donald Trump had publicly called her “birdbrain,” while Nikki Haley referred to him as “unhinged.” Despite the heated exchange during the campaign, both appeared to part ways amicably. After exiting the race in March, Haley endorsed Trump for the presidency.
The former GOP presidential candidate welcomed the re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
On Wednesday, she took to social media again to congratulate Trump on his “strong” election win, adding, “The American people have spoken. Congratulations to President Trump on a strong win. Now, it's time for the American people to come together, pray for our country, and start the process of a peaceful transition.”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.