Nikki Haley Drops Out Of GOP, Refuses To Endorse Trump

Former US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has announced that she is dropping out of the Republican Party and will not endorse former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election.

In a statement released on Friday, Ms Haley said she was leaving the GOP because it had become "a cult of personality" around Mr Trump, who she accused of "dividing the country" and "undermining democracy"."I cannot in good conscience remain a member of a party that has surrendered its principles, its values, and its soul to one man," Ms Haley said. "I have always been a proud Republican, but I can no longer identify with a party that has lost its way and its vision.

"Ms Haley, who served as governor of South Carolina before joining the Trump administration, was once seen as a rising star in the Republican Party and a potential presidential contender.

Haley was one of the few prominent Republicans who criticized Mr Trump after the deadly Capitol riot on 6 January 2024, saying he had "fallen so far".However, she later softened her tone and met with Mr Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, sparking speculation that she was seeking his endorsement for 2024.

She also defended some of his policies, such as his tough stance on China and Iran, and praised his achievements on the economy and trade.

Ms Haley launched her presidential campaign in February 2024, positioning herself as a "conservative reformer" who could appeal to a broad coalition of voters. She vowed to restore America's leadership in the world, strengthen its alliances, and confront its adversaries.

However, the former UN Ambassador failed to gain traction in the crowded Republican field, which was dominated by former American president, Trump and his loyal supporters. She only won one state, Vermont, in the Super Tuesday primaries, while Donald Trump swept 14 states and secured his status as the presumptive nominee.

Haley said she was "grateful" for the support she received from her voters, donors, and volunteers, but admitted that her campaign had "fallen short" of its goals. She said she would continue to "use her voice" to advocate for the issues she cared about, such as national security, education, and health care.

The former South Carolina governor also urged Trump to "earn the votes" of the millions of Americans who did not support him, and to "bring people into his cause, not turn them away". She said the country needed "a leader who can unite us, not divide us".

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Ms Haley's decision to leave the GOP is a rare move for a high-profile politician, and could have significant implications for the future of the party and the 2024 election.

Some analysts have suggested that she could run as an independent candidate, or join a third party, such as the newly formed Patriot Party, which is backed by some of Mr Trump's allies.

However, others have doubted that Ms Haley could mount a serious challenge to Mr Trump or President Joe Biden, who is expected to seek re-election as the Democratic nominee. They have also warned that her departure could further fracture the Republican Party, which is already facing deep divisions and internal conflicts over its direction and identity..