Nikki Haley Criticizes Trump as ‘Unhinged’ and Rejects Appeals to Withdraw from the Race

In a Friday Fox News appearance, Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and ex-ambassador to the United Nations, unleashed a barrage of criticism against Donald J. Trump, characterizing him as “completely unhinged.” This condemnation came after a thwarted attempt by one of Trump’s allies. The ally sought to pressure the Republican National Committee (R.N.C.) into proclaiming him the party’s presumed nominee, further intensifying an already escalating feud.

Unhinged Behavior and Tantrums

In the Fox News interview, Nikki Haley analyzed Trump’s behavior over the past 48 hours. She specifically honed in on what she considered an “absolute temper tantrum” during his victory speech following the New Hampshire primary. She emphasized his combative rhetoric and his threat to ban donations from MAGA supporters to her campaign. It painted a picture of a leader unraveling.

Accusations and Withdrawn Plans: R.N.C. Drama

According to Barron’s report, Haley didn’t mince words, accusing Trump of orchestrating an R.N.C. member’s plan to prematurely declare the nominating contest over. The plan, involving a resolution, was swiftly withdrawn after Trump rejected it on his Truth Social website, showcasing the behind-the-scenes tension within the Republican ranks.

Haley’s Commitment Despite Defeat

Despite a significant loss in the New Hampshire primary, where she trailed Trump by about 11 percentage points. Haley remains resolute in her commitment to continue her uphill campaign. Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign spokesman, responded with a derogatory nickname, “birdbrain,” accusing Haley of attempting to mislead voters with her perceived “America Last” policies.

Personal Attacks and Criticisms

According to a New York Times report, the ongoing feud between Nikki Haley and Trump has taken a personal turn, with attacks and criticisms intensifying as the race narrows down to the two contenders. In a Fox interview, Haley challenged the narrative that her New Hampshire and Iowa losses narrow her path to nomination.

R.N.C. Chair and Trump’s Call for Withdrawal

Expressing disappointment, Haley revealed that she spoke with Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman. McDaniel had earlier advocated for uniting around Trump as the eventual nominee. On the contrary, Trump escalated pressure on Haley to withdraw from the race. He argued that further participation would be futile and divert resources from challenging President Biden in the November election.

The Ongoing Political Drama

In response, Cheung issued a warning on Friday. He suggested that Haley’s continued participation would lead to embarrassment and render her unable to run for public office again. Despite these challenges, Haley remains steadfast. She believes she is better positioned to defeat Biden than her former boss. The political drama between the two prominent Republicans continues to unfold, shaping the trajectory of the Republican primary race.