In a significant development for the 2024 GOP presidential race, prominent businessman and former Trump supporter Ken Langone endorsed Nikki Haley on Friday during an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox News. This endorsement marks a major shift in the Republican landscape and signifies a growing movement within the party seeking new leadership beyond former President Donald Trump.
Langone, a co-founder of Home Depot and one of the Republican Party’s largest donors, emphasized his belief that Haley possesses the qualities necessary to lead the country. He praised her approach as “smart,” stating that she has “clarified herself on some issues which is very important.” He further emphasized the need for a “statesman-like, elegant” leadership style, contrasting it with the current political climate.
When asked about Ron DeSantis, another Republican candidate, Langone acknowledged his earlier support but pointed to Haley’s rising momentum as a key factor in his decision. He stated, “His numbers aren’t moving, Neil. Yeah, the handwriting is on the wall. Now, on the other hand, Nikki Haley has had a very substantial upswing.”
Langone’s primary concern was defeating President Joe Biden in the upcoming election. He described the current state of the country as “mayhem, absolute mayhem,” and expressed his belief that the country cannot tolerate another term under Biden’s leadership.
Regarding Donald Trump, Langone stated, “I think his time has come and gone.” He criticized the former president’s behavior in the final months of his presidency, particularly his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. Langone compared Trump’s conduct to Al Gore’s decision to concede the 2000 election in the national interest, stating, “He put the American people ahead of him.
Langone concluded by expressing his disappointment with Trump’s inaction during the Capitol riot, stating, “He sat in a room and watched it for three hours, did nothing about it. So America is better than that. America deserves and America deserves better than that, Neil.”
This endorsement by a prominent figure like Langone is a significant boost to Haley’s campaign. It indicates a growing desire within the Republican Party for a candidate who can offer a different vision for the future and potentially unite the party after the Trump era. It will be interesting to see how this endorsement impacts the dynamics of the Republican primary and whether it can propel Haley to the forefront of the race.