Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, has emphatically dismissed the possibility of Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador, serving as his father's running mate in any future political endeavor.
In a recent interview with Newsmax's Eric Bolling, Trump Jr. expressed his strong opposition to Haley's potential candidacy.
"I wouldn't have her and I would go to great lengths to make sure that that doesn't happen," he stated. Trump Jr. further criticized Haley, accusing her of being a "puppet of the establishment in Washington, DC" and a favored candidate of the billionaire class seeking to exert influence, akin to academia and institutions like Harvard.
Haley, who served as Trump's ambassador to the UN from 2017 to 2018, has seen a significant rise in her popularity in recent GOP primary polls. A recent survey by the American Research Group placed her within four points of Trump. This surge in popularity has sparked speculation about her potential as a vice-presidential candidate, with figures like former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) voicing their support.
However, Trump Jr. was quick to dismiss these speculations, pointing out Haley's criticism of his father's administration and her insistence that she "doesn't run for second." He also noted her rise in the polls, suggesting that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another potential candidate, lacks the necessary qualities to be on the stage.
Lara Trump, Trump Jr.'s sister-in-law, has been more open to the idea of a Trump-Haley ticket, telling Newsmax, "Crazier things have happened. I would never say never with Donald J. Trump."
However, Trump Jr. is not alone in his opposition to Haley. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) predicted a revolt within the MAGA movement if Haley were to be given a role in Trump's next administration, describing her as a representative of the "neocon establishment 'America last' wing of the Republican Party."
Nationally, Trump leads the 2024 GOP pack, followed by DeSantis and Haley, according to the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate. Trump has remained elusive about his choice of running mate, especially after his fallout with former Vice President Mike Pence.
Haley and DeSantis are set to participate in a CNN debate next month, ahead of the Iowa caucuses on January 15, 2024.
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