Nikki Haley: I Don’t Always Agree with Trump 100% of the Time

Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, recently expressed her views on several current political issues during an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation” hosted by Margaret Brennan. Although she is a Republican, Haley shared that she doesn’t always agree with the former president, Donald Trump, especially regarding his recent proposals and comments.

During the interview, Haley addressed Trump’s suggestion that insurance companies should be required to provide coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. She voiced her opposition to this mandate, emphasizing that such a requirement would likely lead to increased insurance costs, which would not benefit Americans.

Haley, who experienced challenges with infertility, has personal experience with fertility treatments that helped her become a mother. She stated, “Both of my children were products of fertility treatments,” highlighting her desire for everyone to have access to such options without government mandates. Instead, she believes that making fertility treatments more accessible and affordable should be the priority.

On another topic, Haley disagreed with Trump’s assertion that childcare costs are “not very expensive.” In her view, the reality is that many families find childcare to be a significant financial burden. This disparity underscores the need for broader tax relief rather than selective child tax credits, which she believes create a system of “winners and losers.” Haley argued for tax cuts that benefit all Americans rather than favoring specific groups.

Haley also took issue with recent comments made by Senator JD Vance about childless women. She characterized Vance’s remarks as unhelpful, stating, “It’s not helpful. It’s not helpful.” Despite her disagreement with some of the style and rhetoric employed by her fellow party members, she asserted that her focus remains on the substance of policies that better serve Americans. “I have said that and I will continue to say to Republicans, stop it, that’s not helpful,” she urged.

In terms of foreign policy, Haley’s recent visit to Taiwan highlighted her concerns about the escalating tensions with China. She reported that Taiwan is currently facing around 30 million cyberattacks every month, in addition to air and maritime aggression from the Chinese government. Haley noted that if China were to successfully take Taiwan, the resulting economic repercussions would far exceed those of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She stressed, “We need to care about that.”

Haley raised alarm about foreign disinformation campaigns, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, indicating that these foreign actors pose a significant threat to American society. “America needs to wake up when it comes to foreign actors,” she asserted.

Regarding her relationship with Trump, Haley indicated that she has not been asked to campaign for him nor is she currently advising his campaign, but she remains ready to assist if called upon. She mentioned that she reached out to Trump in June to offer her help and has publicly endorsed him during the Republican convention despite past criticisms of one another.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Haley made it clear that she is prepared to help if Trump seeks her assistance, stating, “I talked to him back in June. He’s aware that I’m ready if he ever needs me to do that.”

With the first debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on the horizon, Haley said she is not involved in advising Trump but remains open to supporting him as he sees fit.