Ex-United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has expressed her intention to grant a presidential pardon to former President Donald Trump if he is convicted and she ascends to the presidency.
During a campaign event in New Hampshire, Haley responded to a question from a 9-year-old boy, saying that pardoning Trump would be in the nation’s best interest.
“If he is found guilty, I would pardon Trump,” Haley stated, as reported by NBC News. She emphasized that a leader must prioritize the country’s welfare, arguing that incarcerating an 80-year-old man who polarizes the nation would not be beneficial. Instead, pardoning him could help the country move forward and shift the focus away from him.
Trump, a leading contender for the Republican nomination in 2024, faces legal challenges in four separate cases. These include allegations of attempting to reverse the 2020 election outcome, actions to disrupt the election results in Georgia, mishandling confidential documents, and involvement in hush money payments to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Additionally, Trump is engaged in various civil legal disputes.
At the event, a boy named Adam, who echoed former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s view of Haley as inconsistent in her positions, likened her to 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry. He inquired about her stance on pardoning Trump, as covered by the Washington Examiner.
Haley acknowledged her support for Trump’s presidency and policies but expressed her belief that he is not the right choice for future leadership. She mentioned the need to move beyond the turmoil associated with his administration, as reported by the Examiner.
Haley also sought to clarify remarks she made at a previous town hall event. She had faced criticism for not addressing the role of slavery in the Civil War. Speaking on a New Hampshire radio show, “The Pulse of NH,” Haley clarified, “Of course the Civil War was about slavery. We know that. That’s the easy part.” She further explained that her focus was on what the Civil War signifies today, highlighting themes of freedom, individual rights, and economic liberty, while also underscoring the importance of learning from the history of slavery.
