Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley found herself at the center of controversy after criticizing President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on Ukraine.

Her comments, which suggested Trump was echoing “Russian talking points,” sparked swift backlash from conservatives and Trump supporters.

The dispute began when Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, expressing strong opinions on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its leadership.

Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans

“I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered,” Trump wrote, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump went further, describing Zelensky as a “modestly successful comedian” who convinced the United States to spend billions on a conflict that he believes is unwinnable.

He also stated that the U.S. is currently engaged in negotiations to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.

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Axios reporter Barak Ravid weighed in on Trump’s remarks, writing, “The smear marks a new low in the deteriorating U.S.-Ukraine relationship.

It comes as the Trump administration is negotiating a deal with the Kremlin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine without Kyiv’s participation in the talks.”

Haley, who ended her Republican primary bid and later endorsed Trump, took to social media to voice her disapproval of his statements.

Posting on X, she accused Trump of aligning with Russian interests, stating, “These are classic Russian talking points. Exactly what Putin wants.”

These are classic Russian talking points. Exactly what Putin wants. https://t.co/BsbhcKQcNU

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 20, 2025

Her criticism was met with an overwhelmingly negative response from Trump’s base, who defended the former president’s approach to Ukraine as an effort to secure peace and avoid prolonged U.S. involvement in foreign wars.

One social media user responded to Haley’s remarks by writing, “Hey Nik, I’d sit this one out… it won’t bring you back into relevance.”

Hey Nik, I’d sit this one out…it won’t bring you back into relevance.

— DB3 (@TheDouglasBrown) February 20, 2025

Other responses accused Haley of political opportunism, with another user commenting, “You’re still here?”

You’re still here?

— Ian Carroll (@IanCarrollShow) February 20, 2025

Some reactions were even harsher, reflecting the growing divide between Haley and the Republican voter base.

“Your opinions carry no weight. You are irrelevant. You have no power and you will never be elected President. Americans can’t stand you. We all know you’re a liar and a fraud. It would be best if we never hear from you again. Bye!” wrote another user.

Your opinions carry no weight. You are irrelevant. You have no power and you will never be elected President.

Americans can’t stand you. We all know you’re a fucking liar and a fraud.

It would be best if we never hear from you again.

Bye!

— Cynthia Holt (@Ghostofcynthia) February 20, 2025

The dispute comes as American and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the Ukraine conflict, notably excluding Ukrainian representatives from the negotiations.

Zelensky objected to being left out and accused the U.S. and Russia of conducting secret negotiations without Kyiv’s involvement.

Trump’s subsequent public criticism of Zelensky further fueled tensions.

Haley’s attempt to challenge Trump’s position appears to have backfired, reinforcing the challenges she faces in maintaining relevance within the Republican Party.

For now, her comments have only strengthened the loyalty of Trump’s base while leaving her in an increasingly difficult political position.

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