Haley, Pompeo not to be part of Trump's second administration

Trump makes announcement in post on Truth Social while he assembles his cabinet ahead of his January 20 inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not be joining his administration for a second term.

Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, stating, “I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation. I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our country.”

The decision comes as Trump is in the process of assembling his cabinet ahead of his January 20, 2025 inauguration.

Despite their past work with Trump—Haley as the UN ambassador and Pompeo as both CIA director and Secretary of State—neither will be tapped for a role in his upcoming administration.

Haley, who briefly ran for president herself before endorsing Trump, expressed her continued support for the president-elect’s agenda, writing on social media, “I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.”

Pompeo, who had been rumored as a potential candidate for a high-profile position such as Secretary of Defense, also expressed his willingness to serve Trump again in the past, noting in 2023 that he would be open to future service under Trump if the opportunity arose.

However, he did not immediately respond to Trump’s announcement on Saturday.

While Trump is not bringing these two high-profile figures into his administration, his team is actively meeting with other potential candidates for key positions.

This includes prominent investor Scott Bessent, who is reportedly being considered for the role of US Treasury Secretary.

Both Haley and Pompeo had their moments of tension with Trump during their political careers, but both eventually offered their support. Haley, who initially criticized Trump during her 2016 presidential run, endorsed him for re-election and served in his administration.

Pompeo, who once considered running for president himself, ultimately chose not to pursue the White House in 2024 and remained a loyal supporter of Trump.

In addition to personnel decisions, Trump also announced that former US Senator Kelly Loeffler and real estate investor Steve Witkoff would serve as co-chairs of his inauguration committee.

As the clock ticks toward Trump’s second term, the formation of his administration and the assembling of his team will be closely watched, as it will set the direction for his next four years in office.

With key figures like Haley and Pompeo out of the picture, it remains to be seen who will fill the influential roles in Trump’s cabinet.

Furthermore, Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have secured a slim advantage in the battle for control of the US House of Representatives, with 211 seats confirmed.

Trump’s transition period is unfolding as he prepares for a formal meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House next week.

This meeting, set for Wednesday, will serve as a symbolic step in the peaceful transition of power, as Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025.