Nikki Haley Criticizes Trump's 'Unhinged,' 'Diminished' Mental State: 'He Is Not The Same Person He Was In 2016'

Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, has ramped up her criticism of Donald Trump, questioning his mental fitness. This comes as she gears up to challenge him in the South Carolina primary elections.

What Happened: Haley, a former South Carolina governor, recently voiced her concern about Trump’s mental state during an interview with NBC’s Craig Melvin on the Today show, reported The Independent on Thursday. She suggested that he is “unhinged” and “diminished.” She also compared Trump’s current state and his demeanor during his presidency.

“The problem now is, he is not the same person he was in 2016. He is unhinged; he is more diminished than he was, just like Joe Biden's more diminished than what he was,” Haley said.

Haley, a Republican, has also made age an issue, paralleling the concerns raised by Trump-aligned Republicans about President Joe Biden’s mental clarity. She is disappointed with the current political landscape, saying, “We don’t want these two old men running. We want someone who’s going to go and fight for us and work for us, with no drama, no vendettas.”

Despite her strong stance, Haley continues trailing Trump in national and South Carolina polls.

Why It Matters: Haley’s critique of Trump’s mental state adds to the already intense political climate. This comes after Trump’s controversial remarks about NATO and his substantial lead over Haley in the GOP 2024 presidential election polls.

In a recent rally in South Carolina, Trump openly stated that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who fail to meet their financial obligations. This has sparked concerns about the future of American national security, especially if Trump were to secure re-election.

Despite Haley’s strong opposition, Trump has maintained a substantial lead in the GOP 2024 election polls. This was further solidified by Trump’s comments about Haley’s deployed husband, which she used to criticize his lack of qualification for the presidency.

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