Former President Donald Trump clinched a commanding victory in the New Hampshire Republican primary, setting a record for the most votes ever cast for a candidate in the history of the state’s primary. Despite this significant win, sources report that Trump spent his evening in a state of irritation rather than celebration. Hours after his triumph was confirmed, Trump privately and publicly lambasted Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor, who refuses to concede the nomination to him.
Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel echoed Trump’s sentiments, suggesting on Fox News that the GOP needs to unite behind Trump to defeat President Joe Biden in the general election. McDaniel stated, “I don’t see it for Nikki Haley,” implying that her path to the nomination is unrealistic. However, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Haley supporter, rebuked this view, stating, “For these elitists to say we’re going to stop right now, as Nikki is surging, we’re just going to stop and call it a day for the incumbent, that’s not the process and it’s not fair to all the Republicans in 48 states who have a vote, who have a say.”
As the votes rolled in, Trump’s tally surpassed 166,000, a new record in the New Hampshire primaries, surpassing the 152,000 votes Bernie Sanders garnered in the 2016 Democratic primary. This historic achievement, however, did not seem to appease Trump. Reportedly, he spent the evening seething over Haley’s persistence in the race, criticizing both her speech and attire in a post online, and privately expressing bewilderment over her refusal to drop out. “I don’t get too angry, I get even,” Trump warned, indicating a possible escalation in campaign tensions.
Haley, despite her second-place finish, released two campaign ads in South Carolina, signaling her determination to continue her candidacy. The ads underscore her South Carolina heritage and tout her as a preferable alternative to both Trump and Biden. Haley’s campaign narrative promotes her as the fresh face of America, promising to cut taxes, secure borders, and counteract the Chinese threat.
This development indicates a mounting schism within the Republican Party as Trump seeks to consolidate his base and prepare for a potential rematch against Biden, while Haley pushes forward, unwilling to cede the race. Trump’s frustration is a stark contrast to his prior jovial response following the Iowa caucuses, where he had congratulated Haley and Ron DeSantis for their participation.
The primary battles ahead promise to be intense, as Trump and his sole remaining rival for the GOP nomination continue to clash. With South Carolina’s primary on the horizon, Nikki Haley appears resolved to challenge Trump’s ascendancy to the nomination, setting the stage for an increasingly contentious fight within the Republican Party.
Relevant articles:
– Trump Has A Full-Blown All-Caps Freakout Over Nikki Haley – The former president was not in a good mood despite winning the New Hampshire primary.
– Live updates: Trump defeats Haley in New Hampshire GOP primary, CNN.com
– WATCH: Trump, flanked by allies, declares victory in New Hampshire and attacks Haley, PBS, 11 hours ago