Nikki Haley’s bid for the presidency has experienced a surge in contributions, surpassing the $1 million mark, following Donald Trump’s effort to prohibit donations from the MAGA movement.
As reported by Newsweek on Friday, January 26, 2024, Haley’s team disclosed an impressive $2.6 million in fundraising within 48 hours after losing the New Hampshire primary to Trump.
Trump’s actions were prompted by Haley’s defiant stance, declaring her commitment to stay in the GOP primary despite setbacks in both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. Despite facing a 10-point defeat in the recent primary, Haley, the former South Carolina governor, announced in a North Charleston speech that her campaign had garnered over $1 million in fundraising, primarily from small-dollar and digital contributions, showcasing robust grassroots support. In response, Trump threatened to blacklist donors on Truth Social, his social media platform.
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In a North Charleston speech, Haley revealed her campaign’s resilience, stating it garnered over $1 million in fundraising, predominantly from small-dollar and digital donations, showcasing grassroots support. Trump responded with a threat to blacklist donors on Truth Social, his social media platform.
“Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Trump declared. However, Haley’s campaign experienced an influx of support, raising $1.2 million in the wake of Trump’s pledge, defying his attempt to stifle contributions.
Haley’s spokesperson, AnnMarie Graham-Barnes, emphasized the contrast in leadership styles, stating, “Donald Trump’s threats highlight the stark choice in this election: personal vendettas or real conservative leadership.”
George Conway, a vocal Trump critic, was among the donors who contributed to Haley’s campaign, mocking the MAGA ban in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter). Conway’s $3,300 donation reflected a sardonic acknowledgment of being barred from Mar-a-Lago.
While Trump’s campaign team urges Haley to exit the primary, asserting her inevitable defeat, Haley remains undeterred.
Trump spokesperson Steve Cheung argued that her support base consists of Democrats and Never Trumpers using her as a pawn in Republican politics.
“With donors leaving her left and right because she’s running a failed campaign, she’s not competitive in any state and doesn’t have a pathway to actually win any state,” Cheung claimed.
Haley’s campaign faces challenges, including her exclusion from the upcoming Nevada race in February. Her absence from the GOP-led caucus further complicates her chances, leaving Trump’s team confident in predicting her downfall.
Amidst escalating tensions between Trump and Haley, the unexpected surge in donations suggests a resilient undercurrent of support for the former South Carolina governor, challenging Trump’s attempt to wield financial influence over the GOP primary. The battle for the party’s direction continues, with Haley’s campaign emerging as an unexpected force in the face of adversity.
