GOP mega-donor calls Haley ‘a tremendous candidate’

Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, a major supporter of the Republican campaign, on Tuesday called former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (R-Pa.) a “terrible candidate” for president, but said that she expressed doubts about his future path.

in Interview with CNBC At the MFA Network Miami conference, the billionaire hedge fund executive said he doesn’t yet know who he will support in the 2024 presidential election.

“Here’s the big picture: There are now two Republicans running for president. I’ve supported Nikki Haley, and I think she’s a great candidate,” Haley said of Haley’s candidacy. he said when asked about reports a few months ago that he supported it.

“And, frankly, I think Nikki Haley will run away in the general election,” he added.

Asked if he thought there was a path to victory for Haley, Griffin said, “The path is narrower than it was eight weeks ago.” It’s just narrower. ”

Griffin, who has criticized former President Donald Trump in the past, reiterated his feelings toward the Republican front-runner, criticizing some of Trump’s actions but also criticizing Trump’s economic policies. praised. But Griffin said she believes the geopolitical situation remains in Trump’s favor despite Haley’s strong foreign policy background.

“So I know that many of us, myself included, are struggling with some of President Trump’s actions,” Griffin said. “But there was an aspect of him as president that would make the world more secure, especially in the interests of the United States.”

“I think there’s a sense of, do we want to go back to a president who was seen as more powerful and more responsible? And that’s going to be difficult for Nikki to overcome now,” Griffin said. Ta. “What about her attitude? Amazing. What about her diplomatic experience? Tremendous. What is her ability to unite this country? Astounding.”

“But at this point, we don’t know if that will get her to South Carolina or any destination beyond that,” he continued.

Griffin did not directly answer which candidate he would support in a hypothetical showdown between President Biden and President Trump. Instead, the executive cited polling on how many Americans don’t want a rematch between Biden and Trump, and said he counts himself among that majority. He also said he would continue to participate in several down-ballot races.

“And I say this to my friends who are involved in politics: You may be frustrated, you may be angry, you may be disappointed, but you can’t stay out of politics,” Griffin said. said. “So I’ve been involved in a lot of Senate races and House races. I’m going to stay very involved here in Florida and in local Florida races. Even if I have trouble deciding who to elect for president. It doesn’t mean you have to quit the field.”