In N.H., S.C. senator Scott endorses Trump
Senator Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, endorsed Donald Trump on Friday evening at a rally in New Hampshire, the latest sign the Republican Party is rallying around the former president's candidacy after his historic Iowa win.
The decision marks a major blow to Scott's fellow South Carolinian Nikki Haley, the former UN ambassador who is banking on a strong showing in New Hampshire to keep her presidential hopes alive.
Scott flew with Trump from Florida to New Hampshire to deliver his effusive endorsement in a rousing call-and-response speech that resembled a vice presidential tryout.
The country needs a president who will close the southern border, unite the country, protect Social Security, and restore order, and one who doesn’t see race, Scott said.
“We need a president who sees Americans as one American family, and that’s why I came to the very warm state of New Hampshire to endorse the next president of the United States, President Donald Trump,” Scott said.
Scott’s endorsement is likely to spur additional discussion of him as a potential running mate for the former president. He is the highest-ranking elected Black Republican in the nation.
Scott arrived at his decision only recently. After ending his own campaign for president Nov. 12, he had said he would not endorse “anytime soon.” But he came to the conclusion that Trump was the best candidate to defeat President Biden, according to one person familiar with his thinking.
Haley, in a statement, said, “Interesting that Trump’s lining up with all the Washington insiders when he claimed he wanted to drain the swamp. But the fellas are gonna do what the fellas are gonna do.”
During the race, Trump avoided criticizing Scott, a sign that he held warmer feelings for the senator, whom he worked alongside while president. In 2020, Trump had given Scott one of the most coveted speaking roles in politics, making him a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.
Scott also was fairly gentle about Trump, mildly criticizing him for saying he wanted to forge a compromise with Democrats on abortion but generally steering clear of sharp attacks.