Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and UN ambassador, has criticized former President Donald Trump, calling him “unhinged” and “diminished.” Haley expressed her concerns about Trump’s behavior and questioned his mental state, stating that he is not the same person he was during the 2016 campaign.
Haley’s comments responded to Trump mocking her husband, Michael Haley, a national guard officer deployed in Djibouti. She emphasized that when Trump mocks one member of the military, he mocks all members, highlighting the importance of respecting those who serve.
These remarks by Trump are not the first time Trump has drawn criticism for his comments about military personnel. During the 2016 campaign, he mocked Senator John McCain, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam, despite having avoided the draft for that war himself. However, Trump faced minimal political consequences for his actions and went on to attract controversy during his presidency for his alleged mockery of those who serve.
Haley’s use of the term “diminished” not only refers to Trump’s behavior but also raises concerns about his age, as he is currently 77 years old. She also compared Trump’s fitness for office to that of President Joe Biden, who is 81 years old and facing Republican attacks on his cognitive abilities. Haley, who is 52, has previously advocated for older politicians to undergo cognitive tests.
Initially hesitant to criticize Trump, Haley has become more vocal as her primary rivals dropped out, positioning herself as the last obstacle to a potential third Trump nomination. However, she reiterated that she would support Trump if he were nominated to challenge Biden, stating that any of the 14 Republican candidates would be better than the current president.
Despite Haley’s criticisms, Trump’s influence within the Republican Party remains strong. He is expected to solidify control by appointing his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and campaign official Chris LaCivita as Republican National Committee co-chairs and chief operating officer, respectively. Trump’s ability to survive legal challenges, including criminal charges and civil suits, further demonstrates his resilience in the political arena.
While Haley believes she is saving the Republican Party and claims to outperform Trump in general election polls against Biden, it remains to be seen how the primary race will unfold and whether Trump’s influence will continue to shape the party’s future.
