Nikki Haley called 'spineless' for saying she won't comment on Trump's cases because it's 'wasted energy'
WASHINGTON, DC: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is facing online backlash for refraining from weighing in on former President and fellow GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump's ongoing legal battle as she believes focusing on it "would be wasted energy."
During a conversation on ABC's 'This Week' with host Jonathan Karl, the former South Carolina Governor, who was joined by her latest endorser, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, stated, "The last thing you're gonna see me do is weigh in or learn the details about any of his court cases because I can't follow 91 charges."
Pressed by @JonKarl about former Pres. Trump’s claims of “absolute immunity,” Nikki Haley says, “I'm gonna let the courts figure that out.”
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 17, 2023
“The last thing you're gonna see me do is weigh in or learn the details about any of his court cases.” https://t.co/GBs992FEM2 pic.twitter.com/Si5pCVRuQj
Haley, who is trailing in third place behind Trump and Ron DeSantis, according to polling site FiveThirtyEight, also stated that she is "gonna let the courts figure that out."
According to The Washington Post, Trump, who is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, faces a total of 91 charges across four criminal cases, including his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Nikki Haley's response about presidential immunity
Haley failed to give a clear-cut answer when asked if she believes a President would have absolute immunity.
"I think the court issues are, do you have immunity when you're President? When you're not President? At what point does that line fall? I'm gonna let the judges decide that. I don't know where the line falls," said the White House hopeful.
"President Trump's gonna have to defend himself, no matter what," she added.
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Explicitly stating that she has no plans to analyze her competitor's legal cases, she said, "If he's found guilty, he's found guilty. If he's found innocent, he's found innocent. It would be wasted energy for me to sit there and focus on court cases and not focus on how to win that room that we just left."
As Karl questioned her stance, pointing out it sounded like "the President is above the law," Haley replied, "I am not in a court case. I'm happy I don't have to answer for that. So, let him answer it."
Haley also took a jab at the former President, criticizing his response during the January 6 capitol insurrection that he did not stop despite the opportunity.
Internet slams Nikki Haley
Netizens are outraged because Haley did not use the interview platform to discuss the hot topic of the 2024 presidential race. Many called out the former Governor's cowardice to comment against her competitor.
One X user called Haley "spineless," while another labeled her a "coward."
A third user remarked, "So she's a coward. We knew that."
"If Haley really believes in our Constitution her answer would and should have been that nobody in our country is above the law," stated a fourth user.
If Haley really believes in our Constitution her answer would and should have been that nobody in our country is above the law.
— Allyry (@Allyry5) December 17, 2023
Someone added, "Imagine running against someone in a primary and refusing to attack them relentlessly? Pure stupidity."
Imagine running against someone in a primary and refusing to attack them relentlessly? Pure stupidity.
— MH (@Pezzhedzzz) December 17, 2023
Many users took to the Facebook comment section to show their outrage over the GOP presidential candidate's refusal to weigh in on the issue.
One comment read, "I just lost respect for, Nikki, by bowing out on the issue of immunity for a President."
Another user remarked, "Nikki Haley says, “The last thing you're gonna see me do is weigh in or learn the details about any of his court cases.” Responsible voters are trying to follow Trump's crimes closely enough to cast an informed vote. Those who won't judge are shirking their duty as citizens."
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.