Nikki Haley tells Trump and GOP to 'quit whining' about the Harris campaign

Nikki Haley shared her message for Republicans as Harris campaign gains momentum ahead of the election
Nikki Haley warned Donald Trump to stop highlighting petty issues and fight Kamala Harris on policies (Getty Images)
Nikki Haley warned Donald Trump to stop highlighting petty issues and fight Kamala Harris on policies (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley advised Donald Trump and the Republicans to focus on policies instead of petty attacks, as their rival Kamala Harris gains momentum in her bid for the White House. 

After battling out till the end in the Republican primaries, Haley had endorsed former President and GOP nominee Trump during the Republican National Convention in July. While she insisted that she genuinely hoped for Trump's reelection in November, she also shared that she had no interest in serving in his administration.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 09:  U.S. President Donald Trump announces that he has accepted the resigna
Nikki Haley has endorsed Donald Trump for a second term in the White House, but refuses to serve in his administration (Getty Images)

"Trump knows how to win. He just needs to do it now. He has the ability to do it," she said. "There is no question that I want to see Donald Trump win this election because we can't have a Kamala Harris and Tim Walz," Haley added. 

Nikki Haley reminds GOP that 'American people are smart'

Former South Carolina Gov Haley told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier that the Trump campaign should refrain from going after Vice President Harris over her race, intellect, or the size of the crowd at her rally, and focus on policy instead.

"You can't win on those things. The American people are smart. Treat them like they're smart," she said. "It's not about her. It's about the American people. Talk to them and let them know you need their vote," she added. 

She also asked Republicans to "quit whining" about Harris and "quit complaining" about the fact that she is yet to sit down for a formal interview after replacing incumbent Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: U.S Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks alongside U.S. Presiden
Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket (Getty Images)

"I take her at her word that she thinks that illegal immigrants should be able to vote and be given driver's licenses. I take her at her word that she wants to ban fracking and kill a bunch of US jobs. Take her at her word," urged Haley.

Nikki Haley lists target issues for Republicans

Haley pointed out that the GOP should focus on courting suburban women, independents, moderate Republicans, and conservative Democrats in the run-up to the general election.



 

"The target issues are the economy, the fact that Kamala wants to raise taxes, the fact that she's taking money from those that didn't go to college and has given it to those that did, the fact that when Afghanistan fell, the fact that when they lifted sanctions on Iran, the fact that when they, you know, actually said that they would help Israel and then pulled back, where was Kamala when that happened? She was sitting right next to Joe Biden in the Situation Room," she continued.

"This administration is Kamala Harris' administration. Everything that has happened is hers. So define her in that way. Talk about those issues," added Haley.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The Trump administration sued in Brooklyn in July 2025, arguing that the city’s law violated the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause
2026-10-16T20:03:56.000Z
Trump's remarks came after a White House official reportedly warned that Zacharia needed to improve quickly or risk losing her job, just hours after her debut briefing
2026-10-16T18:50:09.000Z
Former Clinton adviser James Carville told Democrats to sharpen their messaging and advance legislation popular with voters
2026-10-16T17:50:04.000Z
President Donald Trump reportedly consulted allies on whether to fire longtime Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and appoint a replacement
2026-10-16T16:42:09.000Z
WH counsel told a judge Trump invoked executive privilege to shield communications with advisers and Kennedy Center employees over official duties
2026-10-16T08:01:26.000Z
So far, Donald Trump has not endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's October 27 election
2026-10-16T07:18:58.000Z
According to FEC filings, Elon Musk contributed $75 million to the Senate Leadership Fund on September 9 and another $83 million on September 23
2026-10-16T06:26:37.000Z
Marco Rubio questioned how many political candidates could win elections by promising to put America’s interests behind those of other countries
2026-10-16T05:58:53.000Z
Virginia contractor Agile1Tech’s initial $22,000 contract was expanded by $27,600 to cover three additional chandeliers
2026-10-16T05:38:23.000Z
The tense exchange unfolded during a healthcare event in Virginia Beach, where Kennedy appeared alongside Republican Rep Jennifer Kiggans
2026-10-16T05:18:48.000Z