On February 21st, Reuters reported that Nikki Haley stands as the sole remaining Republican contender challenging Donald Trump for the party’s nomination in the upcoming November U.S. presidential election against Democratic President Joe Biden. Currently, there are two contenders from the Republican Party:
DONALD TRUMP
Trump, leading the Republican race with 64% support according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, has capitalized on his extensive legal battles, including facing 91 indictments across four criminal cases. This strategy has bolstered his favorability among his base and contributed to his fundraising efforts.
The ex-president has secured wins in nomination contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. He aims to install allies in key positions within the Republican National Committee before the party’s July convention.
Trump, aged 77, asserts that the criminal charges against him are politically motivated, aiming to thwart his chances of winning. However, the U.S. Justice Department refutes this claim.
Several of his legal battles have made their way to the Supreme Court, including challenges regarding his eligibility for the ballot post the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and his argument for presidential immunity.
Should he win another four-year term, Trump has pledged retaliation and escalated his rhetoric, stating he wouldn’t act as a dictator “except on day one” and pledging to revamp the federal civil service.
His comments drew ire from Western leaders when he suggested the U.S. might not defend NATO members who don’t meet defense spending targets and hinted at supporting Russian aggression against them. Additionally, he urged congressional Republicans to delay a military aid package for Ukraine.
Trump has prioritized immigration as his key domestic campaign issue, advocating for mass deportations, termination of birthright citizenship, and an extension of the travel ban for individuals from specific countries.
He has reiterated his stance on imposing the death penalty for drug dealers, proposing lethal force against other alleged criminals, and indicating a willingness to deploy federal troops into Democratic-controlled areas without consent.
Regarding abortion, Trump has claimed credit for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, while also criticizing some Republican-led states for their strict six-week abortion bans.
