US Republican Presidential Candidate Haley: "Will Pardon Trump if Elected"

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is gaining momentum in the US Republican presidential primary, is speaking at a campaign event held at a high school in New Hampshire on the 28th (local time). 2023.12.29
besthope@yna.co.kr [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who is gaining momentum in the early primary states of the Republican presidential nomination race, has stated that she would pardon former President Donald Trump if elected president.

According to local media on the 29th (local time), Haley recently said during a campaign rally in New Hampshire, "If former President Trump is convicted, leaders need to consider what is in the best interest of the country," adding, "The best national interest is not to put an 80-year-old man in prison."

Haley said, "(If Trump is detained) he will continue to divide the country," and added, "The best national interest is to pardon him and move forward as one nation without talking about him."

With the Republican presidential primaries scheduled for next month, Haley's remarks are interpreted as a strategy to appeal to Trump's support base.

Although former President Trump still holds an overwhelming lead nationwide, a recent poll showed that Haley has closed the gap with Trump in New Hampshire, the state holding the second Republican primary.