US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will not be reappointing two prominent figures from his previous administration.
Naija News reports that they are: former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed, “I will not be inviting” Pompeo or Haley to join his upcoming administration, amid growing speculation about the composition of his new team.
Pompeo’s recent proposals regarding Ukraine had raised eyebrows, particularly his July outline advocating for increased weapons support and stricter measures 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.
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.
“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.
Trump has so far made one significant appointment, naming Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the incoming White House chief of staff.
Known for her composed demeanor, which earned her the nickname “ice baby,” Wiles will be the first woman to serve in this pivotal role as the president’s gatekeeper.