Sen. Scott on Trump’s Criticism of Nikki Haley: A Friend Caught Between Rivals

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina was asked by host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday about the uncomfortable position he found himself in during former President Donald Trump‘s criticism of their mutual friend, Nikki Haley, at a recent event in New Hampshire.

Ingraham recalled that Scott’s close relationship with Haley, who served as South Carolina’s governor and later as U.N. ambassador under Trump, may have made the situation awkward for him. She remarked on Trump’s tough stance towards Haley, particularly his criticism of her. While Scott acknowledged that he might not have recommended Trump’s jab at Haley’s dress, he admitted it was uncomfortable sitting up there as a friend.

Scott, who withdrew from the Republican presidential race in November, has previously praised Haley as an “incredible” politician and commended her for strengthening U.S. ties abroad. However, tensions arose between the two as they both pursued the GOP nomination.

Scott clarified that while Haley had served their state well as a conservative governor, she had now positioned herself as a moderate Republican presidential candidate. Ingraham pointed out Haley’s rejection of the globalist label, to which Scott responded by criticizing her stance on Social Security and emphasizing the importance of border security.