24 January 2024 , 12:51
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Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Nikki Haley, calling her an "imposter" during his victory speech at the New Hampshire primary.
Despite winning the primary and thanking his supporters, the former president took time to repeatedly insult Haley, who came second in the race, and left him the runaway favourite for the Republican nomination.
Trump said: "Let's not have someone take a victory when she had a very bad night," and added, "Just a little note to Nikki: She's not going to win." He also referred to her as an "imposter".
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Nikki Haley has faced personal insults from the former president (Getty Images)Trump's 'racist dog whistle'
This isn't the first time Trump has targeted Haley with personal insults. Last week, he was accused of using a racist dog whistle against her by suggesting she wasn't eligible for presidency because her parents are Indian immigrants.
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'Nimrada' birth conspiracy
Days later, Trump referred to her as Nikki "Nimrada" Haley, hinting there was something suspicious about her being born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa.
Despite clarifying that she has used her middle name, Haley, from birth and stating it's her married name, Trump didn't relent despite facing accusations of racism. He took to his platform, Truth Social, to further his critique, awkwardly misspelling Haley's name as "Nimbra", not once, but three times in a single post leaving no room for anyone to presume it as a typo.
The robust Haley ignored the subtle abuse, reflecting it upon Trump's typical behaviour. "The name-calling - I know President Trump well. That's what he does when he feels threatened. That's what he does when he feels insecure," she said, according to The Hill. "I don't take these things personally; it doesn't bother me. I know him very well, and this is what he does. I know that I am a threat; I know that's why he's doing that."
Trump launched the insults while on stage celebrating his New Hampshire win (AFP via Getty Images)'Birdbrain' Haley not 'presidential timber'
A few days later on January 19, during a New Hampshire rally, Trump intensified his attack on Haley, branding her a "birdbrain". He questioned her presidential potential stating that former South Carolina governor "is not presidential timber", adding "she's not going to be chosen as the vice president".
"She's not going to fight like we fight. We fight and we had four of the greatest years," continued Trump about Haley, labelling his own administration as "one of the greatest".
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