Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene strongly opposed former President Donald Trump’s selection of Nikki Haley as his running mate for the Republican presidential nomination. Greene, a vocal supporter of Trump, dismissed Haley as a “neocon” and argued that her presence in Trump’s administration would be met with backlash from the “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) movement.
According to Greene, Haley represents the “neocon establishment” and embodies the last remnants of the Republican Party that Trump’s supporters are eager to move away from. Greene predicted that even giving Haley an internship in Trump’s administration would lead to a revolt among his followers.
While Haley’s campaign has been gaining momentum in recent polls, particularly in Iowa and New Hampshire, rumors about her potentially serving in a second Trump administration have been circulating. However, Haley has consistently denied these rumors, stating that she does not play for second place.
Greene also accused Haley of lying about not running against Trump. Haley had previously stated that she would not run if Trump decided to enter the race, but Trump claimed that Haley had spoken to him before announcing her candidacy.
Interestingly, Greene herself has entertained the idea of being Trump’s running mate, publicly discussing the possibility in an interview last August. However, she has endorsed Trump in the 2024 primary and remains committed to supporting him.
Other prominent Republicans, such as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have suggested Haley as a potential vice-presidential pick for Trump. McCarthy believes that Haley could attract anti-Trump voters in a general election.
Haley’s team, however, declined to comment on Greene’s criticism.
As for Trump, he currently maintains a significant lead in the 2024 GOP primary race, with a 48 percentage-point advantage in the latest national poll. While he has not revealed his vice-presidential pick, he has distanced himself from his former vice president, Mike Pence, due to Pence’s refusal to overturn the election results on January 6, 2021.
The race for the Republican nomination continues to unfold, with various contenders vying for Trump’s support and the opportunity to be his running mate. Only time will tell who will ultimately secure the vice-presidential spot on the 2024 ticket.
