Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) halted his presidential campaign in December and has since been actively campaigning for former President Donald Trump.
Having maintained a cordial relationship with Trump throughout the campaign, Scott supported him in New Hampshire and was invited to share the stage with the former president at the victory party on Tuesday evening.
Trump emerged victorious in the New Hampshire Primary, surpassing the sole remaining significant contender, Nikki Haley, by around 11 points.
Haley, who had previously appointed Scott as the U.S. Senator for South Carolina, a position he currently holds, served as Trump’s Ambassador to the United Nations and, before that, as the Governor of South Carolina.
During the celebration event on Tuesday evening, as Trump was reveling in his triumph, he humorously remarked that Scott “must really hate” Haley. It’s worth noting that Haley had appointed Scott to the Senate to fill a vacancy in 2012.
With Scott standing behind Trump on the victory stage, the former president commented:
“We do go to South Carolina, where we have done really well, where I’ve done well. We have a great governor and lieutenant governor, great everything because almost every one of them have endorsed me — Two great senators, which is hard. I mean, did you ever think that she would actually appoint you, Tim?” Trump said, mocking how Haley’s appointment has come full circle to endorse her opponent.
In his victory speech, Trump acknowledged Scott’s official endorsement, emphasizing the uniqueness of this endorsement in light of Scott’s history with Haley. Playfully taunting Haley, Trump jokingly remarked while looking at Scott, “You must really hate her.”
The crowd burst into laughter as Trump continued, saying, “No, it’s a shame [she did not secure many endorsements]. It’s a shame.”
Maintaining his characteristic decorum, Scott approached the microphone as Trump teased, “Uh-oh!” Playing along, Scott expressed, “I just love you!” This lighthearted comment elicited more laughter from the audience.
Tim Scott “I just love you”
— Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) January 24, 2024
Trump “That’s why you are a great politician”
That pathetic exchange sums up the entire worthless MAGA movement.
If you worship Trump, you’re great. There is NO other principle at play in the GOP anymore.
pic.twitter.com/JhxnoXmLVh
Playfully, Trump remarked, “That’s why he’s a fantastic politician!”
The South Carolina GOP Primary is scheduled for Feb. 24.
Despite calls for Haley to suspend her campaign, Trump’s most significant remaining GOP opponent has pledged to persevere.
Nikki Haley draws applause after announcing she will not suspend her campaign after NH primary loss. pic.twitter.com/20h4waeLzw
— Eden Stratton (@estratton_01) January 24, 2024
