CONCORD, New Hampshire — Former President Donald Trump claimed he would not select former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as his running mate during a Friday night rally.
“She is not presidential timber,” Trump told a crowd of supporters just four days before the New Hampshire primary. “Now, when I say that, that probably means that she’s not going to be chosen as the vice president.”
He explained, “I can’t say she’s not of the timber to be a vice [president] and then say ladies and gentlemen, ‘I’m proud to announce—’ Do you understand? But that’s the way it is. Tell it like it is.”
Trump’s admission came as he was flanked at the rally by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who has been rumored among the favorites for the vice presidential pick.
During a press gaggle, she claimed she would be “honored” to be Trump’s running mate, but she declined to say if she was having private conversations with the former president’s campaign. “I don’t get into any of my conversations with President Trump,” Stefanik said. “President Trump is a friend. I’ve been proud to be the strongest supporter and the first member of Congress to endorse him. I’d be honored to serve within the future Trump administration.”
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Haley has repeatedly said she doesn’t play for second when asked about becoming Trump’s running mate, but she has been hesitant to say directly she won’t accept the No. 2 spot on Trump’s campaign, a fact that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has taunted her over.
Many in Trump’s orbit opposed Haley as a possible running mate, including Donald Trump Jr. “I wouldn’t have her, and I would go to great lengths to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he told Newsmax at the end of December. On Friday night, he reiterated that stance on X in response to comments from Haley saying she doesn’t want to be anybody’s vice president.
“Your terms are 100% acceptable. Thank you,” he wrote.
Trump and Haley are the top two candidates vying for the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. The two candidates are holding multiple rallies in the Granite State over the weekend as they aim to convince their supporters to show up at the polls.
As the de facto incumbent candidate, Trump has much to his advantage, including name recognition, financial backing, and the loyalty of the GOP base. He leads Haley by 13 percentage points in New Hampshire, according to RealClearPolitics.
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In a move meant to embarrass Haley, Trump brought out fellow South Carolinian Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who endorsed the former president, during his rally where he claimed the nation “needed” Trump to restore law and order, close the southern border, and lower taxes.
Haley, at her own rally in New Hampshire on Friday night, attempted to defend herself against Trump attacks, claiming Trump “is telling a whole lot of lies.”