Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was once considered a moderate Republican. During the 2016 presidential campaign, she was a critic of then-candidate Donald Trump.
But by the time Trump was inaugurated in 2017, Haley agreed to serve as Trump's Ambassador to the United Nations, beginning a years-long pattern of Haley defending Trump's actions even after her time in the White House, while also echoing his talking points against liberals and protesters.
On Wednesday, pro-Trump extremists—fueled by his lies that widespread election fraud orchestrated by Democrats delivered President-elect Joe Biden a false victory—stormed the Capitol during a joint session to nationally certify Biden as the next President of the United States.
The Vice President was forced to evacuate as lawmakers and journalists scrambled to hide in offices. The insurrectionists shattered windows, ransacked offices, and vandalized the nation's Capitol.
Five people died as a result of the action.
Now, with the election long lost and after unprecedented chaos in the Capitol, Haley is criticizing Trump.
At the Republican National Committee's winter meeting, Haley said:
"President Trump has not always chosen the right words. He was wrong with his words in Charlottesville, and I told him so at the time. He was badly wrong with his words yesterday. And it wasn't just his words. His actions since Election Day will be judged harshly by history."
But the internet wasn't going to let Haley forget about the role she played in defending Trump and serving in his administration.
She's another one that just doesn't get it. Are these folks just dumb and blind. Couldn't see this coming ? When you get too close to Trump, terrible things happen to you. Hello !! https://t.co/PgZevK3657
— Chris Klondyke (@VonKlondyke) January 8, 2021
Nice try traitor @NikkiHaley. https://t.co/UoSNJDQ1k3
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) January 8, 2021
Wow Nikki, trying to clear the decks of guilt through association with Trump as he could be a stumbling block to your ambitions of higher office. You're as bad as he is Nikki. https://t.co/XwKp4xS33y
— Gerry Cummings (@GerryCummings) January 8, 2021
She can't wash her hands of being part of that administration
— Jaquline Margwarth (@forrreeeal) January 8, 2021
You helped to enable this mess for a long time. https://t.co/g7aCvJsjVm
— Professor D (@Profess10323912) January 8, 2021
Nikki Haley will be found in the 'Trump Judged Harshly' footnotes...
— Scott S (@scottsayswtf) January 8, 2021
It wasn't just the President's critics who had strong words for Haley, but his supporters as well.
@NikkiHaley don't bother coming to Iowa you have no chance winning anything here, RINO's don't win Iowa,
— Steve Olejniczak (@S_Ole1) January 8, 2021
He did a lot of amazing things. What have you ever done?
— John H. Wilharm III (@JohnWilharm3) January 8, 2021
History will remember Trump, Haley won't be remembered at all
— President-Elect Panda Head (@Nofxdan2020) January 8, 2021
Haley is considered a favorite to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, but it remains to be seen how "harshly" she'll be judged then.
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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images