A former Trump administration official has blasted the former president’s decision to endorse J.D. Vance in the Ohio Senate race, arguing that it was a “really bad decision” and that Donald Trump would have been better served backing Nikki Haley.

The unnamed official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concerns about Vance’s “lack of experience” and his “potential to be a liability” in the Senate. “Vance is a good talker, but he’s not ready for the job,” the official said, adding that the former president’s endorsement “has the potential to damage the party in Ohio.”

Instead of backing Vance, the official suggested that Trump should have endorsed Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley, who has expressed interest in running for president in 2024, has strong ties to the GOP establishment and is widely seen as a more experienced and polished politician.

“Nikki Haley would have been a much safer pick,” the official said. “She’s got the experience, the charisma, and the ability to win over voters. Vance is just a rookie who’s likely to get lost in the Senate.”

This criticism comes at a time when Trump’s endorsements have been questioned, with some observers suggesting that his choices are driven by personal loyalty rather than political strategy. While the former president has a history of successful endorsements, there are growing concerns that his recent choices, such as Vance, could be hurting the GOP in key races.

The official’s comments highlight the growing divisions within the Republican Party over the direction of the party moving forward. While Trump remains a powerful force within the GOP, his endorsements are no longer seen as guaranteed victories, and some Republicans are beginning to question his judgment.

It remains to be seen whether Trump’s decision to endorse Vance will ultimately prove to be a strategic mistake, but the growing dissent within the party suggests that the former president’s grip on the GOP is weakening.