Trump intensifies his criticism of Nikki Haley in the lead-up to the New Hampshire primary.
On the third anniversary of his departure from the White House, former President Donald Trump dedicated his efforts to solidifying his path to a potential third consecutive nomination within the Republican Party. Speaking at a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, just two days before the state’s primary, Trump emphasized the need for significant support to convey a message of unity.
During his 90-minute address, Trump focused on familiar themes, lamenting the 2020 election results, defending the actions of the January 6, 2021, rioters, advocating for presidential immunity from prosecution, ridiculing President Joe Biden, and particularly targeting former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. The event featured a large screen projecting slides that criticized Haley’s alleged associations with “Democrats, Wall Street & Globalists,” along with her stances on issues like Social Security.
Trump continued his critique of Haley, accusing her of relying on funds from radical Democratic sources for her campaign. He questioned the compatibility of such an approach with Republican values. Trump listed policy disagreements, highlighting Haley’s proposal to raise the retirement age for younger individuals, delaying their access to Social Security benefits.
Responding to Haley’s suggestion that he might be too old for the presidency, Trump asserted that he recently underwent a cognitive test, which he claimed to have aced. He joked about keeping supporters informed if his mental state declined.
Haley, facing a critical moment after placing third in Iowa, is the only GOP candidate in close proximity to Trump in New Hampshire, where independents can participate in party primaries. Trump expressed concerns about this aspect of the state’s voting rules, incorrectly suggesting that Democrats could also vote in the Republican primary.
Looking ahead to the upcoming South Carolina primary, Trump acknowledged Haley’s home state advantage but asserted his lead in polls and support from influential GOP leaders. Trump playfully mentioned his upcoming visit to South Carolina, jokingly stating that he would be “kissing ass.”
The former president once again advocated for presidential immunity from prosecution, citing Truman’s use of the atomic bomb as an example. While acknowledging the controversial nature of Truman’s decision, Trump argued that legal consequences were not pursued against him.
Despite the intense focus on Haley, Trump had little to say about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, aside from a remark about their limited interactions. On a positive note, Trump praised Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, appreciating the strength of leadership.
In summary, Trump’s rally underscored his persistent themes, ranging from election grievances to policy disputes, all while emphasizing the urgency of strong support for a potential third presidential run.
