2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has criticized Congress for “lying to the American people” by linking foreign aid to border security. During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Haley stated that securing the southern border should be a top priority, but that it is also important to help Ukraine and Israel to prevent war. She argued that supporting Ukraine and Israel would only account for a small percentage of the defense budget, and that it is not about choosing between the two, but rather about prioritizing national security.
Haley also criticized President Joe Biden for not effectively communicating the importance of Ukraine, Israel, and the threat of China to the American people. She believes that Biden’s failure to address these issues has emboldened America’s enemies. Haley pointed out that former President Donald Trump does not worry about Putin invading Ukraine, which has allowed the Russian president to move troops around the Baltic region. She emphasized the need to prevent war and stressed the importance of providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment and ammunition to win the conflict.
On the topic of foreign aid, Haley responded to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s hesitation to approve the $95.3 billion aid package from the Senate, stating that the focus should be on cutting off Putin’s ability to fund his aggression against Ukraine and the Baltic states. The aid package includes support for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Haley also accused Trump of siding with Putin, referring to him as a thug who arrests American journalists and holds them hostage.
Haley, who will be facing off against Trump in the South Carolina primary, deflected when asked if she would endorse Trump if he becomes the Republican presidential nominee. She emphasized that if Trump were to be the nominee, it would ensure the election of Vice President Kamala Harris as president in November.
Overall, Haley criticizes Congress for misleading the American people regarding foreign aid and border security. She believes that national security should be the top priority and emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating the threats posed by Ukraine, Israel, and China. Haley also expresses concern about Putin’s actions in the Baltic region and calls for support to prevent war in Ukraine.
