Days after securing his 2024 US presidential victory, President-elect Donald Trump revealed that former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not be included in his upcoming administration. Trump shared this announcement via Truth Social on Saturday, expressing his appreciation for both figures and their past service. He said, “I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously” and wished them well as he begins assembling his administration.
In response, Haley, who served as US Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump and ran against him in the Republican primary, offered a gracious statement. Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), she congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed no resentment over her exclusion. “I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations,” she said. “I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.”
Despite their past differences, Haley has remained an outspoken Trump supporter, endorsing his 2024 campaign while also acknowledging that she doesn’t always agree with him. Earlier, she wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, stating that while she doesn’t always align with Trump, she felt he was the best option compared to his opponents, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris. Her relationship with Trump has been marked by both cooperation and disagreement, but she continues to express respect for his leadership.
Meanwhile, Pompeo, a former CIA director under Trump, has also shown support for the president-elect, despite not being one of Trump’s most vocal allies. Pompeo publicly endorsed Trump’s 2024 run in an open letter with over 400 signatories. Like Haley, Pompeo did not receive an invitation to return to a prominent position in Trump’s second administration.
With the 2024 election now behind him, Trump has begun shaping his administration. He recently announced Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the incoming White House Chief of Staff. The inauguration committee, co-chaired by real estate investor Steve Witkoff and former Senator Kelly Loeffler, is set to organize events leading up to Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Trump expressed his excitement over the upcoming presidential transition, calling it “the kick-off to my administration,” which will focus on delivering the “America First” agenda. He emphasized that his victory was a testament to the support of millions of hardworking Americans, vowing to restore strength and success to the country.
Trump’s inauguration will be a momentous occasion, steeped in tradition and history. The event will include a swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, and other celebratory activities organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). The inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
