Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is facing criticism for dodging a question about a jury finding the Republican presidential front runner liable for sexual abuse.
During an interview on Tuesday, CNN’s Dana Bash brought up the fact that in May a jury found former President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll.
She noted Haley is the only woman in the Republican primary asked, “How do you feel about your party’s front runner being held liable for sexual abuse?”
“I haven’t paid attention to his cases, and I’m not a lawyer. All I know is that he’s innocent until proven guilty… you’ve got investigations on Trump and Biden,” the presidential hopeful responded.
Haley insisted Trump should have his day in court to be acquitted or found guilty, and then he will have to “pay the price.”
DANA BASH: How do you feel about your party's frontrunner being found liable for sexual abuse?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 16, 2024
NIKKI HALEY: First of all, I haven't paid attention to his cases. All I know is he's innocent until proven guilty. You have investigations on Trump and Biden. pic.twitter.com/cqlX6QITZ9
And while she did not speak about the former president being found liable for sexual abuse, she warned against nominating someone who will be distracted by legal battles during the campaign.
However, her answer did not satisfy several users on X, formerly Twitter:
A federal jury found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation. That’s a fact Trump & Republicans will have to contend with when Democrats get their turn.
— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) January 16, 2024
This would seem like a good time (and a good issue) for Nikki to, you know, go after Trump … https://t.co/4yooCzNaoy
— Matt Lewis (@mattklewis) January 16, 2024
Not a portrait in courage. https://t.co/3qoCuyT3QN
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) January 16, 2024
Embarrassing response. https://t.co/7qjGSQMkCW
— Heath Mayo (@HeathMayo) January 16, 2024
Skeptical these kinds of answers will cut it. @NikkiHaley will only win NH if she surges with suburban women, college educated voters and independents. @DanaBashCNN threw Haley a softball and rather than swinging for the fences, she chose to bunt https://t.co/ByajQDigx3
— Jacob Wheeler (@JWheelertv) January 16, 2024
He was found by a jury to have engaged in sexual assault and defamation and is legally barred from contesting those findings. https://t.co/dBn40y6oE2
— George Conway (@gtconway3d) January 16, 2024
The question comes as Haley finished third in the Iowa caucuses, while Trump came in first place with over 50% of the vote.