In a recent development, President Trump expressed gratitude to Senator Tim Scott, commending him as a “very good” and “respected” individual. Simultaneously, Trump criticized fellow Republicans for squandering substantial funds attacking him, with a specific focus on Haley. He accused her of forming an “unholy alliance” with “RINOs” and “never-Trumpers.”
This endorsement unfolds just days before the New Hampshire primary scheduled for Jan. 23.
Throughout Senator Scott’s campaign, persistent rumors circulated about his potential interest in becoming Trump’s vice president. Despite assertions from voters viewing Scott as a likely second-in-command, he vehemently denied running for president to secure the runner-up position.
Having pledged not to seek reelection in the Senate, Scott confirmed to CNBC’s “Squawk Box” in December that any endorsement would not occur this year, if at all. Sources revealed that this decision was reached only recently.
Haley, who served as South Carolina governor from 2011 to 2017, appointed Scott to the Senate in 2012.
Following a close second-place finish to DeSantis in the Iowa caucuses, both of whom were defeated by Donald Trump, Haley is trailing the former president in New Hampshire polls according to recent averages by 538. A victory in the primary could serve as a pivotal moment for her campaign, especially as she looks ahead to her home state of South Carolina, where she continues to lag behind Trump significantly.
Responding to Scott’s endorsement, Haley drew on Trump’s own rhetoric to critique the move. She found it intriguing that Trump, who initially vowed to “drain the swamp,” is aligning with Washington insiders, stating, “But the fellas are gonna do what the fellas are gonna do.”
