Koch Network Endorses Nikki Haley for President Against Trump
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has picked up a powerful endorsement from the political network largely financed by billionaire Charles Koch. This endorsement by the Koch-backed super PAC Americans for Prosperity Action is aimed at boosting Haley’s primary campaign against the Republican front-runner, former President Donald Trump.
Endorsement Announcement
The endorsement marks the end of a yearlong search for a viable Republican alternative to challenge Trump. Americans for Prosperity Action said in a memo that “Haley has what it takes to lead a policy agenda to take on our nation’s biggest challenges and help ensure our country’s best days are ahead.”
“We have a country to save, and I’m grateful to have AFP Action by our side,” said Haley in a statement following the announcement.
Challenging Trump’s Grip
The network has substantial resources and is prepared to deploy them to boost Haley while challenging Trump’s increasingly tight grip on the party’s presidential nominating contest. The PAC has already spent millions of dollars bashing Trump this cycle, arguing that he would lose a general election to President Joe Biden.
Reaction to the Endorsement
Both the Trump and DeSantis campaigns dismissed the Haley endorsement. Trump’s campaign spokesman called Haley a “pro-China, open borders, and globalist candidate,” while the DeSantis campaign accused the PAC of endorsing a candidate with no realistic chance of defeating Trump.
Koch’s Influence and Haley’s Rise
The PAC has raised over $70 million in the 2024 election cycle. Charles Koch has an estimated net worth of over $50 billion. The endorsement of Haley represents the latest phase in the on-again, off-again relationship between Trump and the larger Koch network. During Trump’s first term, Koch-aligned groups scored several policy victories, including tax cuts and the confirmation of three conservative Supreme Court justices.
Haley’s Recent Rise
Internal polling from Americans for Prosperity Action shows Haley’s recent rise in key early states such as New Hampshire and Iowa, and a majority of DeSantis’ supporters have a favorable view of Haley. This is a major blow to DeSantis, who received the PAC’s endorsement during his successful reelection campaign just a year ago.
Final Thoughts
The Koch alliance with Haley also emphasizes the network’s traditionally Republican backing. However, differences have emerged over the years, including opposition to Trump’s trade war with China. The endorsement of Haley marks a new phase in the relationship between Trump and the Koch network.
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