Donald Trump, the former president and presumptive Republican nominee for 2024, has reached out to Nikki Haley, inviting her to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week. The invitation came during a phone call on Saturday, following the assassination attempt on Trump, according to US media.
The outreach is viewed as a strategic move to unify the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming election. Trump, capitalizing on the surge of sympathy following the attempt on his life, is making overtures to individuals who might have previously been hesitant to align with him.
Haley, who served as US Ambassador to the UN under Trump and formerly governed South Carolina, is scheduled to speak at the convention on Tuesday. This appearance comes on the heels of her recent decision to release her delegates and encourage them to support Trump.
In a statement last week, Haley emphasized the importance of party unity, saying, "This is a time for Republican unity." She framed her decision as crucial in preventing President Joe Biden from securing a second term in office.
Haley has been vocal about her foreign policy views, particularly regarding the US-Israel relationship. In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom in May, she elaborated on her stance: "We shouldn't be telling them what they can or can't do. We should just be saying, 'What else do you need?' Bottom line? That's it. That's what I want to see America do: be a friend, a true friend, and make sure all the other countries that are aligned with us are true friends with Israel too."
The invitation marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Trump and Haley, fueling speculation Haley is on the shortlist for vice-presidential nominees. Their rivalry during the GOP primary earlier this year was notable, with Haley emerging as Trump's strongest challenger before ending her campaign in March after a disappointing performance on Super Tuesday.
During her campaign, Haley highlighted her foreign policy expertise gained during her tenure as UN Ambassador. She also emphasized her commitment to fiscal responsibility, pledging to be a careful steward of the federal budget.
This development signals a potential thawing of tensions within the Republican Party as it gears up for the 2024 presidential election. The convention, set to take place this week, will likely serve as a platform for the party to present a united front against the incumbent Democratic administration.
