A report by NBC News on Friday, January 26, 2024, Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and current contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has escalated her critique of former President Donald Trump as she campaigns in her home state of South Carolina.
Having served under Trump for two years before resigning in 2018, Haley aims to distance herself from the former president’s legacy while still appealing to his supporters. Despite denouncing Trump’s role in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, she has also commended some of his policies.
Approaching the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24, Haley has heightened her criticism, challenging Trump to a debate and accusing him of having a “temper tantrum” in response to her recent speech in New Hampshire.
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In her speech, Haley stated that Trump “let us down” and emphasized the need to acknowledge this failing. She suggested that Trump won’t run for federal office again, asserting that he has fallen too far. Trump responded by labeling Haley as “disloyal” and a “political hack” during his victory speech in New Hampshire, where he secured 86% of the vote. He also mocked her previous requests for his endorsement during her gubernatorial campaigns in South Carolina.
In response, Haley fired back at Trump during a rally in Columbia, challenging him to a debate and asserting, “Let’s talk about the results. Let’s talk about who’s made America stronger and who’s made America weaker.” She characterized Trump’s focus on her as a “temper tantrum,” stating that such behavior is indicative of feeling threatened.
Despite facing protests from about a dozen Trump supporters at her rally in South Carolina, Haley remained focused on her message of unity and strength. Additionally, she capitalized on Trump’s attacks by fundraising for the first time, claiming in an email to supporters that Trump is afraid of her and acknowledging her ability to unite the Republican Party.
Haley, who reported raising $1 million in online and small-dollar donations within 24 hours after her New Hampshire speech, is vying to win the South Carolina primary, which holds significance for Republican candidates, especially those with ties to the state.
