Nikki Haley, a contender for the US Republican nomination, openly defied former President Donald Trump’s threats to “blacklist” her donors and persisted in her campaign.
Encouraging supporters to contribute, she announced two rallies in South Carolina, scheduling events for Saturday and Sunday in Mauldin and Conway.
As the sole candidate facing Trump following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ withdrawal last week, Haley, a former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor, aims to bolster her candidacy ahead of the Feb. 24 primary. Sources close to her suggest that Trump’s remarks are actually boosting her campaign, with significant increases in donations reported.
The campaign has even capitalized on Trump’s words by releasing “Barred. Permanently” t-shirts on Thursday.
Overnight, former President Trump declared his intention to “blacklist” donors contributing to his rival’s campaign for the Republican nomination, vowing to exclude them from the “MAGA camp” (Make America Great Again).
In a Truth Social post, he explicitly stated that individuals supporting Nikki Haley’s campaign would face permanent exclusion from the MAGA camp, emphasizing their unwelcome status.
Haley Presses On Despite Trump’s Threats
Despite facing defeats in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary against Trump, Haley remains undeterred by both the electoral setbacks and the associated threats.
In response to Trump’s reaction to the New Hampshire primary, where she exceeded expectations despite finishing second, Haley characterized his behavior as a temper tantrum and noted his tendency to act that way when insecure.
While some donors, including billionaire Reid Hoffman and metal magnate Andy Sabin, who had previously funded Haley, have opted to cease their financial support, she is now navigating potential repercussions from Trump’s threat.
Additionally, internal pressures within the Republican Party are mounting, with calls for her to withdraw from the race.