Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley announced on Sunday that she would grant a pardon to former President Trump if he were convicted of a federal offense, citing the need to “move forward.”
During a Fox News town hall in South Carolina, Haley emphasized the importance of leaving behind negativity and division, expressing her belief that pardoning Trump would be beneficial for the country.
Trump, the current frontrunner in the GOP race, is currently embroiled in multiple legal challenges, including a civil fraud case in New York where he was recently fined over $350 million and barred from operating his business.
Last week, Trump sought to extend the trial delay in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s 2020 election interference case by appealing to the Supreme Court, arguing for presidential immunity against prosecution. This appeal came after a D.C. appeals court ruled against his immunity in Smith’s case.
Haley stressed the need to avoid further division, stating that it wouldn’t serve America’s best interests to see an 80-year-old president behind bars, causing widespread upset.
“I think this would be the time that we would need to move forward and get this out of the way,” Haley remarked.
During her town hall appearance, Haley took several jabs at both Trump and the Republican Party while highlighting her own platform. She criticized Trump for his reaction to the New Hampshire election results, where she received 43% of the vote, describing his response as a “temper tantrum” focused on revenge.
Haley also questioned the suitability of both Trump and President Biden, both in their 70s, to address the nation’s challenges, arguing for a younger leader capable of serving two full terms.
Her town hall precedes the Feb. 24 South Carolina primary, where she will compete against Trump.
