Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who recently announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has evaded questions about how she differs from rival GOP candidate President Donald Trump.
During a recent interview with Fox News, Haley stated that she is focused on defeating Joe Biden and that the media should simply stop asking her about Trump. When pressed for a response, Haley only briefly stated that the Republican Party needs “new energy” and must look ahead rather than dwell on the past.
She added: “I don’t focus on President Trump. It’s amazing that the media wants to talk about that so much. I am focused on Joe Biden.”
Haley dodges questions on differences from Trump. https://t.co/aH1b8ikZr1 pic.twitter.com/OHvo48y6dL
— The Hill (@thehill) February 20, 2023
Haley and Trump are currently the only candidates who have formally announced their intention to run for the Republican nomination. Trump has previously criticized Haley for stating that she would not run if he decided to seek the presidency in 2024. However, he has also welcomed her candidacy, saying he is glad she is running and wants her to “follow her heart.”
During her campaign launch events in New Hampshire and South Carolina last week, Haley claimed no one had asked her about Trump. Instead, she said the attendees were more concerned with the policies of the Biden administration. However, the media has questioned Haley about her stance on Trump, especially since she previously served in his administration.
Nikki Haley: Complaining about “sexism” and calling for more money to be sent to Ukraine.
Donald Trump: Visiting the AMERICAN people who are suffering. https://t.co/txo0lM6hSO
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) February 17, 2023
Meanwhile, President Trump plans to visit East Palestine, Ohio, next week to show his support for the community affected by the recent train derailment. The incident resulted in the release of toxic chemicals and fumes, forcing local residents to evacuate the area.
Trump will reportedly meet with members of the community during his visit. The forty-fifth president has a strong relationship with the people of Ohio, which has been a focal point of the America First movement since the 2016 campaign.
So far, Haley has refused to engage with the Trump campaign or speak to the domestic needs of GOP voters. As a result, experts still do not know how her campaign expects to recruit loyal Trump supporters and independent voters.
