On Saturday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump revealed that two prominent figures from his first term, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former U.N.
Ambassador Nikki Haley, would not be joining his administration this time around. The announcement came through a post on his Truth Social platform, where Trump clarified his decision, ending speculation about the roles his former aides might play in his new administration.
The exclusion of Pompeo and Haley marks a shift in Trump’s approach as he prepares to re-enter the White House. Pompeo’s recent policy stance on Ukraine appears to have contributed to Trump’s decision. This past July, Pompeo publicly called for ramped-up military support for Ukraine, including a recommendation for more robust sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. His stance diverges sharply from Trump’s campaign rhetoric, where Trump has frequently insisted he could negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict within 24 hours and has been critical of continued U.S. support for Kyiv.
Political analysts have noted the contrast between Trump’s statements on foreign policy and Pompeo’s proposals, suggesting this difference in outlook may have influenced Trump’s choice to move forward without him. Trump’s commitment to a less interventionist stance was one of the pillars of his recent campaign, and it seems he aims to fill his cabinet with advisors whose views align closely with his own.
Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, who had previously run against Trump in the Republican primary before endorsing him, was also left out of the administration lineup. Haley’s history of candid advice and critiques may have played a role in Trump’s decision. In particular, her blunt remark in August telling Trump to “quit whining” about Democratic candidate Kamala Harris made headlines. While Haley and Trump shared mutual respect and she endorsed his bid after suspending her own campaign, it appears her outspokenness and independent views made her an unlikely candidate for a role in the new administration.
Expressing gratitude, Trump remarked, “I very much appreciated working with them previously and would like to thank them for their service to our country,” acknowledging the impact Pompeo and Haley had during his first term.
As Trump begins assembling his new team, he has already made one major appointment: Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, will step in as the White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, known for her calm and collected leadership style, has been a trusted ally and influential figure in Trump’s campaign. Often described as “ice baby” for her steady composure, Wiles will make history as the first woman to serve in this role, becoming a central figure in managing the daily operations of Trump’s White House and acting as his closest advisor. Her promotion signals Trump’s desire for a reliable, disciplined team capable of executing his agenda with precision.
The decisions surrounding these appointments and exclusions are setting a distinct tone for Trump’s upcoming administration. Trump’s selection process suggests he is building a team deeply aligned with his vision and policies as he prepares to step back into the Oval Office.
