2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to discuss the state of her campaign following her loss in Iowa and what comes next as she continues to seek the GOP nomination. The top two Republicans in Congress had two very different approaches to former President Donald Trump’s commanding victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday night. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised the ex-president and said he was key to the GOP winning back the Senate, White House, and retaining the House in November. On the other side of the U.S. Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is not expected to release a statement, having been silent for most of the 2024 Republican presidential primary so far.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump for a resounding victory in Iowa! Today, Republican voters turned out amid harsh conditions and showed their resolve to bring an end to the failed economic and open border policies of President Biden,” Johnson’s statement said. “We appreciate every candidate, volunteer, and voter who braved the elements and participated in the great caucus tradition.”
Trump swept the Iowa caucuses with more than 50% of the vote despite spending less time campaigning in the state than his primary opponents. Johnson suggested Monday night that it was time for the GOP to unite around Trump after his “decisive” victory.
“With President Trump in the White House and with Republican Congressional majorities, we will work together to build the wall and end the Biden Border Crisis for good, curb inflation and restore our booming economy, rebuild our military, secure our elections, and create prosperity that will last for generations,” Johnson said. “His decisive and historic victory tonight should move our Party closer to uniting so we can achieve the ultimate victory in November.”
Earlier this month, Trump scored the endorsement of House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., sending him into the Iowa caucuses with the backing of all the senior House GOP leadership. Johnson had endorsed Trump in November.
It’s a stark contrast with their colleagues in the Senate, where the top two Republicans – McConnell and Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D. – have stayed largely out of the race. However, Trump has been endorsed by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the No. 3 Senate Republican, as well as Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., the head of the Senate GOP’s campaign arm.
Nikki Haley’s appearance on ‘Fox & Friends’ comes after her loss in the Iowa caucuses. She discussed the future of her campaign and emphasized the need for GOP unity following Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory in Iowa. While House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s record and called for party unity, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell remained silent on the matter. Trump’s victory in the caucuses, despite spending less time campaigning in Iowa, has prompted Johnson to urge Republicans to rally behind the former president. The endorsement of Trump by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer further solidifies his position within the party. In contrast, McConnell and Senate Minority Whip John Thune have largely refrained from getting involved in the race. However, Trump has secured endorsements from other key Republican senators. The 2024 presidential primary continues to unfold, with the focus now shifting to New Hampshire after Trump’s dominant performance in Iowa.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital focused on Congress as well as the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay updated on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content by subscribing to this newsletter.
