Former President Donald Trump has secured a significant victory over Nikki Haley in South Carolina, bringing him closer to the Republican presidential nomination. Trump clinched the primary in Haley’s home state with a commanding 20-point lead, marking his fourth consecutive triumph.
In his celebratory remarks, Trump, without mentioning Haley, shifted his focus to the upcoming general election in November. Anticipating a likely rematch with President Joe Biden, he declared, “We’re going to look Joe Biden right in the eye… He’s destroying our country – and we’re going to say ‘get out Joe, you’re fired.'”
Expressing satisfaction with the Republican Party’s unity after the South Carolina results, Trump remarked, “There’s never been a spirit like this. I have never seen the Republican Party so unified.” This sentiment contrasted with his response to last month’s New Hampshire primary, where he criticized Haley for “doing a speech like she won.”
Nikki Haley, a former two-term governor of South Carolina, acknowledged Trump’s victory in her speech and congratulated him. Despite her defeat, she vowed to continue her campaign, emphasizing that the roughly 40% of the vote she received indicated a significant portion of voters seeking an alternative.
“I’m not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” Haley asserted. She committed to staying in the race until at least Super Tuesday on March 5, highlighting her determination and stating, “I’m a woman of my word.”
The Trump campaign dismissed Haley’s persistence, claiming her “delusion is clouding her judgment.” Despite Trump’s substantial lead in delegates and strong polling in future contests, Haley’s campaign persists, fuelled by financial support from deep-pocketed donors. In January alone, she raised $16.5 million, surpassing Trump’s numbers.
Trump wasted no time in delivering his victory speech, not allowing Haley to speak before him. Exit polling revealed Trump’s broad support across demographics, securing votes from both men and women of all age groups.
As Trump faces legal challenges and financial burdens, including over half a billion dollars in recent civil trial rulings, he relies on donations to cover mounting legal costs. His daughter-in-law Lara Trump, slated to co-chair the Republican Party, pledged full party fund utilization for Trump’s legal defence in the face of a cash advantage for President Biden in the upcoming presidential race.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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