Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has unequivocally declared his refusal to support Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, as the Republican candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Known for his straightforward communication style, Paul released a video statement on Friday, officially launching the “Never Nikki” movement.
Although Paul has not yet announced his endorsement for the presidency, he has taken a firm stand against Nikki Haley. To amplify his stance, the senator has established a website, NeverNikkiHaley.net, where he encourages voters to sign a petition expressing their unwillingness to support Haley. On the website, Paul provides detailed explanations for his objections, emphasizing that well-informed conservatives or libertarians cannot rally behind her candidacy.
I’m interested in the ideas of some independents too, such as @RobertKennedyJr.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
Paul took issue with Haley’s positions on various matters, specifically highlighting her endorsement of Biden, McConnell, and what he termed the “forever-war crowd” in relation to funding for the conflict in Ukraine.
“Nikki Haley supports Biden and McConnell and the forever-war crowd on funding for the war in Ukraine,” he wrote. “Her thirst for war is so strong she actually said: ‘I’m sick of talking about a Department of Defense. I want a Department of Offense.’”
Paul also brought attention to Haley’s financial connections with arms merchants who profit from war, characterizing it as a conflict of interest.
According to Paul, during her tenure as the governor of South Carolina, Haley directed tax dollars to arms merchants who reciprocated with campaign contributions and a board seat after she left office.
He criticized her alignment with what he termed “Republican In Name Only” (RINO) Republicans like John McCain and Lindsey Graham, arguing that she did not support an “America First” foreign policy.
Paul accused Haley of advocating for nearly unrestricted foreign aid, expressing concern over her willingness to allocate tax dollars generously. He emphasized that her stance contradicted libertarian and conservative principles, particularly in light of the significant national debt.
Additionally, Paul criticized Haley for her apparent disregard for freedom of speech, citing her endorsement of registering and verifying internet posters.
Haley’s support for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, a “former president of Socialist International,” and her domestic policy decisions in South Carolina further solidified Paul’s stance against her. He concluded by encouraging others to join the “Never Nikki” movement, stating, “If you want to shift focus to domestic policy, in South Carolina, Nikki Haley advocated for a gas tax hike, a state-run vaccine registry, and never supported school choice. I am Never Nikki, and I hope you will be too.”
