Against a chorus of boos, Nikki Haley gives Trump her 'strong endorsement,' calls for GOP unity

Nikki Haley gave former President Donald Trump − her former boss and bitter presidential rival − her "strong endorsement" on stage at the convention Tuesday, setting aside the brutal competition that marked their GOP primary contest.

The former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor was greeted by a chorus of boos from the evening's audience. Haley then opened her remarks stating that Trump had invited her to speak "in the name of unity."

"It was a gracious invitation," Haley said, "and I was happy to accept."

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Haley, the last Republican challenger to exit the presidential race, spoke to the Republican voters who had selected her over Trump in the primary elections.

"We should acknowledge that there are some Americans who don't agree with Donald Trump 100% of the time," she said. "I happen to know some of them."

"My message to them is simple: You don't have to agree with Trump 100% of the time to vote for him. Take it from me," she added.

Previously tepid on backing Trump's reelection bid, Haley touted his record and platform, calling for the party to unify behind their now-official nominee.

"I was proud to serve America in President Trump's cabinet," Haley said

"To my fellow Republicans, we must not only be a unified party. We must also expand our party."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Against a chorus of boos, Nikki Haley gives Trump her 'strong endorsement,' calls for GOP unity