Former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has accused Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of spreading “lies and gossip” to promote his new book. The accusation follows Pompeo’s claims that Haley had plotted with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to become vice president.

Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, backed Pompeo’s claims in an interview with Fox News, saying that Haley had been “trying to get rid of Vice President Mike Pence”.

In response, Haley dismissed Pompeo’s claims as “lies and gossip” in an interview with POLITICO. She accused Pompeo of using her to promote his book and said that she had spoken to Ivanka and Jared about the vice presidency.

The exchange between Haley and Pompeo has sparked widespread debate in the US. Many are questioning the veracity of Pompeo’s claims and whether Haley was actually plotting to become vice president.

It is unclear how the situation will play out, but Haley’s accusations have certainly put Pompeo in the spotlight.