Nikki Haley Hits Back at Trump’s Mockery of Deployed Husband
Former US president Donald Trump’s recent mocking comments about his Republican rival Nikki Haley’s husband, who is currently deployed overseas, have ignited a war of words between the two presidential candidates. Haley, an Indian-American politician and the only candidate against Trump in the Republican Party’s nomination race, swiftly responded to Trump’s disrespectful remarks, stating that anyone who disrespects military families has no business being commander-in-chief.
Haley’s husband, Major Michael Haley, is a commissioned officer with the South Carolina National Guard and is currently deployed with the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Bridge in the Horn of Africa. Trump, seemingly unaware of Major Haley’s deployment, questioned his whereabouts during a rally in South Carolina. This prompted Haley to confront Trump directly, urging him to voice his opinions on a debate stage instead of behind her back.
“I am proud of Michael’s service. Every military family knows it’s a sacrifice. I have long talked about the fact that we need to have mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75,” Haley asserted in response to Trump’s comments. She further challenged Trump’s claim that he would pass such tests, emphasizing that mocking the service of a combat veteran disqualifies one from deserving a driver’s license, let alone the presidency.
Trump’s comment drew criticism from various quarters, including General (rtd) Don Bolduc, who described it as disrespectful towards all military families. In an unprecedented move, Major Haley himself fired back at the former president on Twitter, posting a meme that indirectly criticized Trump’s leadership abilities.
Continuing his attack on Haley, Trump alleged that she is the candidate of globalists and warmongers who advocate for exorbitant military spending. He also accused her of supporting a 23% national sales tax and aiming to gut Medicare and Social Security. However, Haley remained focused on her campaign, kicking off her “Beast of the Southeast” bus tour in Newberry.
During interactions with the media, Haley highlighted the importance of mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75, citing recent concerns about President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities. She expressed her belief that it is time for a new generational leader, emphasizing that the party that dismisses their elderly candidate is the party that will win the presidency.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s mockery of Major Haley and the subsequent response from Nikki Haley have once again brought attention to the issue of respecting military families and the importance of mental competency in political leadership. As the Republican Party’s nomination race heats up, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the future of the campaign and the candidates involved.
(Note: This article is based on a news story and does not reflect the views or opinions of NDTV.)
