Nikki Haley Says Donald Trump Makes Joe Biden Sound 'Sane'

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Monday that recent remarks made by Donald Trump make President Joe Biden sound "sane."

While appearing on Fox News' America's Newsroom, Haley spoke about the former president's recent remarks in South Carolina about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and said, "That's because he [Trump] went off script. That's because he went off the teleprompter."

"That's what you're gonna get, is unhinged chaos," Haley said. "And that only makes Joe Biden sound...sane."

"When you get Donald Trump making Joe Biden sound sane, it's more of the reason why Donald Trump can't defeat Joe Biden. They're taking everything he's saying and they're gonna use it against him," she added.

The Context:

Haley's remarks on Monday were in response to Trump's speech in South Carolina over the weekend where he spoke about NATO members who insufficiently contribute financially to the military alliance and Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine. The former president, who is the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, appeared to recall a conversation with an unnamed politician he described as "one of the presidents of a big country" and added that the anonymous leader had asked whether the United States would protect the NATO nation if Russia attacked.

"I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" the former president told the crowd. "In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills."

What We Know:

During her interview with America's Newsroom, Haley agreed with Trump's remarks that NATO countries should pay for their defense spending, but noted that "when he said that, he put every military member in danger."

She added: "Russia has never invaded a NATO country. That alliance is rock solid, it's a success story for 75 years. We want them to pay more, we should do that, but the last thing you do is side with a guy who kills his opponents."

Newsweek reached out to Trump's spokesperson via email for comment.

Biden has recently faced criticism over his mental health, as special counsel Robert Hur's Thursday report into his mishandling of classified documents said he is an "elderly man with a poor memory."

The report also added that Biden "did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended."

Biden responded last week to Hur's assessment of him in which he said, "Over my career in public service, I have always worked to protect America's security. I take these issues seriously and no one has ever questioned that." The president also added: "My memory is fine."

Following the report, Haley said that the "White House is not a taxpayer-subsidized nursing home. It is clear to most Americans that Biden lacks the mental capacity to effectively serve as president."

Haley has also repeatedly questioned Trump's mental competency on the campaign trail and argued that Trump and Biden are too old to serve second terms as president.

Views:

Responding to Trump's remarks on Sunday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, "Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response. Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S. and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the U.S. will remain a strong and committed NATO ally."

Biden also responded to Trump's comments, calling them "appalling and dangerous."

What's Next:

Haley and Trump remain in a battle for the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. The two will face off this month in the South Carolina primary election, where Haley will hope to garner more votes from her home state where she served as governor.

RealClearPolitics average polling for the 2024 Republican primary race shows Trump holding his lead over Haley.

Update, 2/12/24, 11:12 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with further information and to reflect that Newsweek reached out to Trump for comment.

Update, 2/12/24, 11:51 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with further information.