Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) expressed his disapproval of Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley through a series of statements. On Friday morning, he took to X, previously known as Twitter, to share his top three preferences: former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and the underdog candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
I’ve been watching the GOP Primary closely for a while now, and I like various aspects of several candidates – Republicans like President @realDonaldTrump, Governor @RonDeSantis, and @VivekGRamaswamy.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
But then he issued a scathing report of Haley. He said, “As I look over the field, I don’t think I yet have a first choice, but I do know one thing: count me in as #NeverNikki!”
I’m interested in the ideas of some independents too, such as @RobertKennedyJr.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
Paul, unlike most politicians who focus on garnering support for campaigns and candidates, took a different approach by promoting his website, nevernikki.net. He is actively encouraging individuals to unite with him in opposing Haley as the Republican primary Presidential candidate.
Go to https://t.co/rwxbUMKKBh today so we can let her and everyone else know she doesn’t have your support. If you’re unsure, keep reading and following.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
Paul then blasted Haley for receiving money from “arms merchants who benefitted from the war.”
Her thirst for war is so strong she actually said: "I'm sick of talking about a Department of Defense. I want a Department of Offense." #NeverNikki
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
“This position isn’t new either – as governor of South Carolina she gave tax dollars to those same arms merchants, and they showered her with campaign contributions and a seat on their board when she left office,” he added.
This position isn’t new either – as governor of South Carolina she gave tax dollars to those same arms merchants, and they showered her with campaign contributions and a seat on their board when she left office. ➡️ https://t.co/iA3zylD8Vg
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
In addition, he went on to accuse her of a “lack of respect for freedom of speech.”
Beyond the issues of endless wars, @NikkiHaley’s lack of respect for freedom of speech is shocking to anyone who believes in the constitution.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
He pointed out that, she “believes that all internet posters should be registered and verified.”
“This flies in the face of a free American Republic whose founders wrote anonymously the Federalist Papers and routinely posted newspaper articles and pamphlets under Pseudonyms,” he went on.
If you want to move quickly to domestic policy, in South Carolina, @NikkiHaley advocated for a gas tax hike, a state-run vaccine registry and never lifted a finger for school choice.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024