'He's the one sowing division': Internet blasts Chris Sununu as he rips into Tim Scott for backing Trump

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: In a recent Fox News interview, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu unleashed a flurry of criticisms aimed at Senator Tim Scott, suggesting that Scott owes his political career to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Sununu declared, "Tim Scott wouldn't have a job without Nikki Haley," adding fuel to the fire of an already contentious political landscape as the New Hampshire primary looms. The Granite State governor didn't hold back, further stating, "Nobody cares what Tim Scott thinks. If they did, he actually wouldn't have been driven out of this race three months ago."

These remarks came shortly before Scott took the stage at a campaign rally in Concord, New Hampshire, to announce his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination.

Sununu argues senators fear Haley's accountability

Sununu, a vocal supporter of Nikki Haley who endorsed her in December, argued that senators like Scott are wary of Haley because "she calls them out." He echoed Haley's stance on the Senate, describing it as "overpaid" and "underworked," going as far as characterizing it as a "privileged nursing home."

“They get frustrated because someone’s actually gonna become president that holds them accountable, that holds them to fiscal discipline that actually wants to drain the swamp,” he said. “That’s what Nikki’s trying to do.”

“You shouldn’t be surprised that senators feel threatened by it because they’ve basically made a career out of public service,” Sununu added.

In a pointed criticism of Scott's endorsement of Trump, Sununu questioned the senator's assertion that Trump would unite the country.

During an interview with Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto on Saturday, Sununu stated, “Tim Scott actually just looked in the camera and said ‘Donald Trump’s going to unite the country.’ Not even Donald Trump believes that statement. I mean, nobody thinks Donald Trump’s united the country.”

According to the Granite State governor, it was “disrespectful more than anything” that Scott chose to support the former president.

“So the fact that they want Donald Trump back in there … that never really gave them leadership, that never really held them accountable, where Nikki Haley will do it,” he insisted. “Nikki Haley is going to demand more out of the Republicans in the US Senate.”

Social media backlash

However, Sununu was criticized for his comments on social media.

"Sounds to me like he's the one sowing division," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Who cares what Sununu thinks? He has an obsession with Nikki Haley," another reacted.

"These RINOs are getting comical," someone else added.

"Sounds like sour grapes to me," another offered.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who endorsed Haley in the GOP primary race, also expressed concern over Scott's endorsement of Trump. In an interview with The Hill's 'Daily Debrief', Hogan called it "concerning" and hinted at the possibility of running his own bid. “It’s certainly not good news. It doesn’t come as a huge surprise. It’s concerning,” he said.

Party loyalty over personal reservations

Despite Sununu's skepticism about Trump's ability to unite the country, he maintained his commitment to supporting the former president if he secures the GOP nomination. This echoed his earlier pledge to back whoever challenges President Joe Biden in November.

As the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary approaches on January 23, recent polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ indicate Trump leading with 45.6 percent support, while Haley trails closely in second place with 35 percent. Haley's recent surge in the polls is attributed to Sununu's endorsement and her compelling debate performances.