Nikki Haley Says Trump Trying To Influence Election Through RNC Appointments: 'Is That How You're Going To Try And Take An Election?'

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has implied that Donald Trump is attempting to sway this year’s election results by promoting his former campaign advisor and daughter-in-law for key positions at the Republican National Committee (RNC).

What Happened: Haley, a former South Carolina governor and ex-U.N. ambassador in the Trump administration, made these insinuations at a campaign event in Bamberg, South Carolina, on Tuesday. She questioned the implications of Trump’s endorsement of his former campaign advisor as the next RNC chair and his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as co-chair, reported HuffPost on Tuesday.

"Is that how you're going to try and take an election?" Haley raised the question.

Both Lara Trump and her husband, Eric Trump, have been vocal supporters of the unsubstantiated theory that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. This theory has been a central issue in the ongoing debate within the Republican Party.

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Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, dismissed Haley’s comments as a sign of her desperation and acknowledgment that she had no chance of winning.

Despite Trump’s endorsement, Haley’s campaign has been receiving funding from some traditionally Democratic donors keen on keeping Trump out of the White House. However, Trump maintains a significant lead over Haley in the polls, even in her home state of South Carolina.

Why It Matters: The RNC is currently in a state of flux, with Ronna McDaniel reportedly planning to step down after the South Carolina primary. Trump has publicly voiced his desire for a change in party leadership, and his endorsement of his former campaign advisor and daughter-in-law is seen as a significant move in this direction.

This comes amid reports of Trump’s nominee for the RNC leadership, Michael Whatley facing resistance within the GOP, despite Trump’s backing. Some Republicans have accused Whatley of rigging his victory as state party chairman last year, which has led to doubts among some conservatives.

Meanwhile, Kevin McCarthy’s bid for the RNC chair position has received an unexpected endorsement from Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), despite their history of conflict. This move has raised eyebrows among Republican colleagues, with some suggesting that Gaetz’s endorsement may have been sarcastic.

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