U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will not be reappointing two key figures from his previous administration.
According to reports, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley will not be invited to join Trump’s new team. In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed, “I will not be inviting” Pompeo or Haley, addressing speculation surrounding his upcoming administration.
Pompeo’s recent proposals regarding Ukraine have sparked discussion, especially his July outline recommending increased weapons support and tougher actions against Russia’s energy sector.
Analysts noted that these policies diverged significantly from Trump’s campaign promises. Throughout his campaign, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he could bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end within 24 hours and has openly criticized continued American support for Kyiv, further distancing himself from Pompeo’s stance on the matter.
Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump during the Republican primary before ultimately endorsing him, also appeared unlikely to return. Her candid advice, including a pointed remark in August urging Trump to “quit whining” about Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, may have contributed to the decision. Trump’s team has maintained that Haley’s public comments may have created tension, making her participation in the new administration less likely.
“I very much appreciated working with them previously and would like to thank them for their service to our country,” Trump wrote on Saturday, acknowledging their contributions during his first term. Despite this, it’s clear that their future roles in his administration are not forthcoming.
Trump has so far made one significant appointment, naming Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the incoming White House chief of staff. Wiles, known for her composed demeanor and leadership during Trump’s previous campaign, will be the first woman to serve in this pivotal role as the president’s gatekeeper. Her leadership style, which earned her the nickname “ice baby,” is expected to play a critical role in shaping the new administration’s approach to both policy and strategy.