President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that former officials from his first administration, Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo, will not be part of his team during his second term. This decision highlights Trump’s continued focus on assembling an “America First” administration, one that aligns closely with his vision and remains wary of establishment figures he believes have hindered his progress in office.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump thanked Haley and Pompeo for their service but made it clear that they would not be returning to his administration in January.
“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to join the Trump Administration, which is currently being formed,” President-elect Trump posted on X. “I truly enjoyed and appreciated working with them in the past, and I want to thank them for their service to our country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Haley, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, was a vocal critic of Trump during the 2024 Republican primaries. She often positioned herself as the only GOP candidate capable of effectively challenging the Democrats in the general election. However, she dropped out of the race in March when it became clear that Trump continued to hold overwhelming support from GOP voters. Her criticism of Trump’s leadership style—arguing that the party needed a “new leader who can actually win” and that Trump’s “polarizing” approach would harm the party—appeared to play a role in Trump’s decision to exclude her from his second-term administration. This stance put her at odds with Trump’s loyal base.
In an effort to mend fences just days before the election, Haley published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, conceding that Trump was “clearly the better choice” over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. However, many of Trump’s supporters and political allies were less inclined to forgive. “Trump’s loyal voters know who stands with them and who doesn’t,” a strategist close to the Trump campaign said. “When someone repeatedly tries to undermine the president’s message, it’s no surprise they’re not welcomed back with open arms.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Nikki Haley responded diplomatically to President Trump’s decision to exclude her from his second-term administration. “I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations,” she wrote. “I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.” While her message was polite, sources suggest that Haley’s differing views from Trump on key issues may have ultimately cost her any chance of returning to his team.
Mike Pompeo’s exclusion from the Trump administration also underscores the importance of loyalty to Trump’s vision. Despite serving as CIA Director and Secretary of State under Trump, Pompeo faced sharp criticism from Republicans for his lack of visible support during Trump’s recent political and legal battles. His silence, particularly during the investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith into Trump’s handling of classified documents, was viewed by some as a betrayal.
Roger Stone, a prominent Trump ally, openly cautioned the president about Pompeo’s intentions. “If Pompeo is placed into the next Trump administration, his history shows he would promote the hegemony of the deep state rather than an authentic America First agenda,” Stone warned, labeling Pompeo’s silence during key moments as “deep state complacency.” Trump’s base, which is highly distrustful of Washington insiders, viewed Pompeo’s lack of support as a significant strike against him.
Pompeo, who had expressed interest in returning to the Trump administration, has yet to publicly comment on the announcement. However, he has consistently emphasized his commitment to “traditional Republican values,” which many perceive as prioritizing a globalist agenda over the America First policies championed by Trump. Pompeo’s exclusion serves as a clear message to those in Trump’s orbit: loyalty to his vision is non-negotiable.
Since his victory over Kamala Harris, Trump’s team has been carefully vetting appointees who align with his core principles. “Loyalty isn’t just about allegiance to a person; it’s about alignment with an agenda that prioritizes the American people over the D.C. establishment,” one senior Trump advisor explained.
This loyalty-driven approach has already led to several key appointments, including Susie Wiles, Trump’s 2024 campaign co-chair, as the next White House Chief of Staff. Former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler and businessman Steve Witkoff also joined Trump’s inaugural committee, signaling a return to a pro-business, America-first administration.
These early staffing decisions underscore Trump’s commitment to reshaping the government in ways he believes were stymied during his first term. “The swamp is still very much alive in D.C., and President Trump is focused on picking people who’ll actually fight it—not just pay lip service to America First,” an insider close to the transition team said.
Trump’s quick staffing choices signal a renewed commitment to governing for the working-class Americans who fueled his 2024 comeback. The absence of Haley and Pompeo from his administration further reinforces Trump’s alignment with the values and priorities his supporters hold dear, particularly the dismantling of entrenched Washington interests.
As Trump continues to staff his administration, these early choices will play a crucial role in fulfilling the promises made on the campaign trail—strengthening the economy, controlling immigration, and prioritizing the needs of American citizens. “No one who thinks America is just another country will make it in this administration,” emphasized one of Trump’s advisors. “President Trump is putting America first, as he always promised, and his team will reflect that.”
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