Politics
Trump: I ‘purposely’ mix up ‘birdbrain’ Haley with ‘smarter’ Pelosi
By Jake Beardslee · March 3, 2024
In brief…
- At a Virginia rally, former President Trump made disparaging remarks about Republican primary opponent Nikki Haley, saying he intentionally mixes her up with Nancy Pelosi and believes Pelosi may be "a little bit smarter" than Haley.
- Trump referred to Haley as "Birdbrain" and claimed she is "interchangeable" with Pelosi in his mind when he gets their names mixed up.
- Haley campaign spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes rebuked Trump's comments, stating that "he insults anyone who doesn’t kiss the ring" and that is why "he can’t beat Joe Biden."
Former President Donald Trump took aim at Republican rival Nikki Haley during a rally, asserting that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is “probably a little bit smarter” than Haley.
Speaking to supporters in Richmond, Virginia, Trump maintained his stance that he intentionally refers to President Biden as “President Obama.” He also acknowledged purposely mixing up Haley, whom he derisively calls “Birdbrain,” with Pelosi, according to Fox News Digital.
“I purposely mix up a name, like Birdbrain…you know who Birdbrain is, right, Nikki, with Nancy Pelosi,” Trump said. “I put them in because they’re interchangeable in my mind,” he claimed, before adding: “Except I have to say, I shouldn’t say this about a semi-Republican, but I think Pelosi’s probably a little bit smarter, actually.”
Haley campaign spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes rebuked Trump’s comments, stating: “This is what Trump does: he insults anyone who doesn’t kiss the ring, and it’s why he can’t beat Joe Biden. This has to be a party of addition, not subtraction.”
Trump’s tendency to insult fellow Republicans could distance some key voting blocs like GOP moderates, independents, and swing voters. While his confrontational style resonates with his staunch supporters, others want less personal drama and more substantive, positive messaging. Broadening his appeal may require tamping down the hostile rhetoric toward those in his own party.