In a significant move, former President Donald Trump clinched victory in the New Hampshire primary, reinforcing his dominance in the race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. The consecutive wins in Iowa and New Hampshire position Trump as the sole non-incumbent Republican candidate to achieve such success in modern political history.
Nikki Haley Faces Mounting Pressure
Trump’s back-to-back victories amplify the pressure on Nikki Haley, his last major competitor, to reconsider her campaign. Despite Haley’s insistence that the race is far from over, Trump’s wins underscore a growing challenge for her candidacy.
Smaller Margin of Victory Sparks Trump’s Reaction
While Trump secured a decisive victory, the margin was narrower than anticipated by polls. Leading Haley by 54 to 45 percent with slightly over half the expected vote counted, Trump expressed displeasure at Haley’s post-results speech, emphasizing her loss and insisting the race is far from over.
Trump’s Warning and Aggressive Campaigning
In contrast to his magnanimous tone after the Iowa caucus, Trump adopted a more combative stance, declaring, “I don’t get too angry, I get even.” The former president warned of the stakes involved, stating, “If we don’t win, I think our country is finished.” Trump strategically highlighted support from prominent Republicans, projecting unity within the party.
Nevada and South Carolina Up Next
With the focus shifting to Nevada, where Trump faces minimal opposition, and then South Carolina on Feb. 24, the ex-president maintains a wide lead in polls. Haley’s decision to stay in the race has drawn criticism from Trump’s camp, with calls for unity among Republicans.
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