Sen. Tim Scott (R.S.C.) appeared to downplay former President Trump's attack on rival Nikki Haley following his victory in the New Hampshire primary, saying that Trump “has to do it.” “I am doing something,” he claimed.
Scott appeared alongside Trump on Tuesday during the former president's victory speech. President Trump launched a series of attacks against Haley, the former governor of Scott's home state.
Asked by Fox News' Laura Ingraham if she was uncomfortable standing on stage while President Trump criticized Haley, Scott deflected.
“Nikki Haley is like your friend,” Ingraham said. “I mean, these things get uncomfortable. You're sitting there and he…was pretty harsh to her last night.”
Scott replied, “Yeah.”
“It was pretty tough…the dress. I probably wouldn't have offered him that dress. But, I mean, it's Trump,” Ingraham responded.
“He's doing what he's supposed to do,” interjected the senator, who put his presidential bid on hold in November.
President Trump on Tuesday took aim at Haley, who served as ambassador to the United Nations under his administration, for wearing a “masquerade” during her evening concession speech.
Asked by Ingraham if she was uncomfortable with Ingraham because of her friendship with Haley, Scott said, “She has served the state well as a conservative governor.''
But, he continued, “she was determined to be the moderate Republican presidential candidate.”
The South Carolina Republican formally endorsed Trump at a rally in New Hampshire last week. When she appeared on stage with President Trump after her win, the former president suggested of Haley that Scott “must really hate her.”
The senator laughed and replied emphatically, “I just love you!”
His support for Trump drew criticism from both sides of the aisle, as pressure mounts on Senate Republicans to support a rally around the former president.
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