'Game over': Internet mocks Nikki Haley as Koch network halts her funding after South Carolina defeat

WASHINGTON, DC: A political network backed by billionaire Charles Koch has halted its funding to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's campaign following her defeat to former president Donald Trump in the primary of her home state of South Carolina, reported NBC News.

On February 24, Trump had his fourth consecutive victory in a direct face-off with his sole in-party opponent as he closes in on the Republican nomination for the upcoming presidential election. The ex-president secured 59.8% votes, while Haley stood at 39.5%.

In an email, the Koch-aligned group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) CEO Emily Seidel pointed at the White House hopeful's inability to gain momentum in her presidential race.

After offering AFP's "strong endorsement" to Haley, Seidel stated, "She has made it clear that she will continue to fight, and we wholeheartedly support her in this effort. But given the challenges in the primary states ahead, we don't believe any outside group can make a material difference to widen her path to victory." The group endorsed Haley in November 2023, as per Reuters.

The move is a setback to the former South Carolina governor amid her determination to continue in the race and compete with Trump on the March 5 Super Tuesday, when more than a dozen states will head to polls to select the party's presidential nominee.

Nikki Haley to fight ahead despite AFP pulling back

Responding to the Koch political network's decision to stop the funds, Haley's campaign claimed it still had enough resources to move forward.

"AFP is a great organization and ally in the fight for freedom and conservative government. We thank them for their tremendous help in this race," the White House hopeful's campaign said in a statement released on Sunday, February 25.

"Our fight continues, and with more than $1 million coming in from grassroots conservatives in just the last 24 hours, we have plenty of fuel to keep going. We have a country to save," the campaign added.

GOP frontrunner Trump also weighed in on AFP's move through a Truth Social post, saying the Koch network had been "played for suckers right from the beginning."

The solid funding poured into the campaign is a primary reason behind Haley's decision to continue in the uphill race despite slim chances of defeating her opponent. According to a CNBC report, her campaign raised above $17 million in the last quarter, kick-starting the election year with $14 million cash on hand.

Internet reacts to Koch network's decision to halt Haley's funding

Weighing in on the Koch network's decision, netizens suggested this could end Haley's presidential run.

One user remarked, "Game over."

"Cause they don’t want to waste their money," said another. While someone else mocked Haley, saying, "That means she'll be gone tomorrow."

A fourth response read, "Welp, sounds like she's going to goose into lockstep and support Trump then."

"Good riddance!!!" one user chimed in. Another person mockingly stated, "No, please flush more of your wealth down the drain!!!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.