In a recent interview with MSNBC’s Jen Psaki, Sarah Matthews, once a spokesperson for former President Trump, voiced her disappointment with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley’s decision to endorse her former boss. Matthews criticized Haley’s choice to “bend the knee” and align herself with Trump, rather than maintaining the momentum she had built independently within the Republican Party.
Matthews highlighted Haley’s potential to lead in a post-Trump Republican landscape, emphasizing Haley’s successful challenge to Trump during the GOP primaries. However, Haley’s decision to support Trump in the upcoming election drew criticism from Matthews and other former Trump aides and Republicans.
Notably, Anthony Scaramucci and former Rep Adam Kinzinger condemned Haley’s endorsement, with Scaramucci accusing her of lacking backbone and Kinzinger labeling her decision as pathetic. Matthews, echoing these sentiments, expressed disappointment in Haley’s reversal, particularly considering her past criticisms of Trump.
While acknowledging that Haley may have made the decision to secure her political future, Matthews questioned whether Trump’s loyal base would fully embrace her endorsement. She suggested that Haley could have opted not to endorse Trump, given her history of criticizing him.
Matthews emphasized that Haley’s initial reluctance to endorse Trump, followed by her eventual endorsement, could influence other Republicans to follow suit. She noted the potential impact of Haley’s endorsement on the outcome of the election, particularly in key battleground states.
Overall, Matthews conveyed a sense of disillusionment with Haley’s decision, questioning its implications for both Haley’s political future and the broader dynamics within the Republican Party.