In a recent interview with CNN, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley expressed strong disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s comments, which she found disparaging towards her husband’s military service. The critique came after Trump made remarks during a campaign event in South Carolina, questioning the whereabouts of Haley’s husband, Michael, who is actively serving as a major in the South Carolina Army National Guard and is currently deployed in the Horn of Africa.
This incident has sparked controversy, especially since Haley stands as the last significant Republican contender against Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, despite polls indicating Trump‘s substantial lead. CNN anchor Jake Tapper brought attention to the situation by highlighting Michael Haley’s military role and deployment, questioning the motive behind Trump’s focus on Michael Haley’s service and the reaction it received from the audience in South Carolina.
In response, Nikki Haley condemned the actions as “disgusting” and emphasized the broader implications of Trump’s criticism, stating that an attack on one veteran is essentially an attack on all veterans. She argued that such behavior should not be normalized or accepted, irrespective of the political context.
She went on to say that it’s unacceptable to think he can speak about such things “so carelessly.”
“If you don’t understand that it’s their shoulders that we stand on — if you don’t understand that — everybody knows someone who has either lost their life or served this country in a way that’s allowed us to keep our freedoms — that is not someone who deserves to be commander-in-chief because if you don’t respect our military,” Haley explained. “How should we think you’re going to respect them when it comes to times of war and prevent war and keep them from going,” she continued. “It’s just — it was awful. Everything about it was awful, everyone should condemn it.”
“This is nothing partisan,” added Haley. “If you don’t have respect for our military and our veterans, God help us all if that’s the case.”
Haley also reminded the audience of Trump’s previous controversial statements regarding military personnel, including his comments about soldiers, Gold Star families, and Senator John McCain’s prisoner of war experience. She criticized Trump for his lack of understanding and respect for military service, pointing out the sacrifice and commitment of service members like her husband, who forego personal engagements, including political campaigns, to serve their country.
Haley expressed immense pride in her husband’s service and by extension, the service of all men and women in the armed forces who risk their lives for the nation’s security. This incident highlights the tension within the Republican party and the challenges Haley faces in her presidential campaign against Trump. The exchange underscores the importance of respecting military service in American political discourse and the potential repercussions of politicizing such service. Haley’s defense of her husband and her critique of Trump’s comments reflect broader concerns about the treatment of military personnel and veterans in the political arena.
