Haley releases delegates for Trump, to sit out Republican convention

    Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the Hudson Institute in Washington, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

    Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has released the 97 delegates she earned during the Republican primary, freeing them up to support former President Donald Trump at the GOP convention next week in Milwaukee.

    “The nominating convention is a time for Republican unity,” Haley told the Washington Examiner. “Joe Biden is not competent to serve a second term and Kamala Harris would be a disaster for America. We need a president who will hold our enemies to account, secure our border, cut our debt, and get our economy back on track. I encourage my delegates to support Donald Trump next week in Milwaukee.”

    Haley’s decision comes after she endorsed her former boss in May.

    Haley spokeswoman Chaney Denton earlier said that the former South Carolina governor would not attend the gathering, despite encouraging the former president to reach out to Republican primary voters who backed her.

     “She was not invited, and she’s fine with that,” Denton told the Washington Examiner. “Trump deserves the convention he wants.  She’s made it clear she’s voting for him and wishes him the best.”