Trump says former cabinet members Pompeo, Haley won’t be in new administration

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President-elect Donald Trump ruled out on Saturday re-appointing two senior figures from his first administration, ex-secretary of state Mike Pompeo and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley.

Writing on his Truth Social social network, Trump said he “will not be inviting” either figure to join his administration as speculation swirls about the identity of his new team.

Pompeo had outlined a hawkish plan for Ukraine in July involving more weapons transfers and tough action against Russia’s energy sector which analysts noted on Saturday was at odds with Trump’s campaign statements.

Trump has repeatedly boasted that he could end the war in Ukraine in his first 24 hours in power and criticized American aid to Kyiv in its fight against Russia.

Haley ran against Trump in the Republican primary this year before endorsing him, but she offered at times blunt advice such as when she urged him to “quit whining” about Democrat candidate Kamala Harris in August.

“I very much appreciated working with them previously and would like to thank them for their service to our country,” Trump wrote on Saturday.

Given her repeated criticisms of Trump, it’s unclear whether Haley was angling for an appointment anyway, but POLITICO reported that Pompeo had been eyeing the position of defense secretary.

POLITICO said Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social half an hour after the news site requested comment for a story on Pompeo’s bid for the role being blocked by Donald Trump Jr. and far-right commentator Tucker Carlson.

Trump has made one cabinet appointment so far, naming his campaign manager Susie Wiles — who he calls “ice baby” due to her supposedly unflappable temperament — as his White House chief of staff.

She is the first woman to be named to the crucial White House gatekeeper role.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.