Nikki Haley throws support behind Trump, calls for GOP unity
Nikki Haley speaks on Day 2 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who challenged Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president, endorsed him Tuesday despite their primary season differences.
“President Trump asked me to speak at this convention in the name of unity. It was a gracious invitation, and I gladly accepted. Let me be clear: Donald Trump has my strong endorsement. Period,” Haley declared as she took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Republican unity
“I’m here tonight because we have a country to save, and a unified Republican Party is essential to save it,” she continued.
“We must not only be a united party but also expand our party,” she emphasized. “We are stronger when we welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences into our ranks.”
Haley noted that agreement with Trump isn’t necessary to support him, stating, “I haven’t always agreed with President Trump. But more often than not, we find common ground.”
“We stand together on keeping America strong and safe,” she affirmed. “We agree that the Democrats’ extreme leftward shift jeopardizes our freedoms.”
The Republican Party officially nominated Trump as its 2024 presidential candidate on Monday, just two days after an assassination attempt during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
Highlighting Trump’s foreign policy stance, Haley credited him with deterring Russian aggression: “Vladimir Putin didn’t invade Ukraine under Trump’s watch because he knew Trump was tough.”
Haley’s support for Israel
Regarding the Middle East, Haley accused Iran of instigating regional conflicts: “Trump exited the flawed Iran nuclear deal and imposed unprecedented sanctions on Iran.”
“In contrast,” she criticized, “Biden lifted sanctions, sought to re-enter the nuclear deal, and displayed weakness in Afghanistan. While Hamas holds Americans, Biden pressures Israel.”
“Between Israel and Hamas, Donald Trump clearly distinguishes friend from foe,” she asserted.
In May, Haley visited Israel near its northern border with Lebanon, where she expressed support by inscribing “Finish them” on an Israeli artillery shell during the conflict with Gaza.
