South Dakota Gov Noem stumps for Trump in Iowa, says Nikki Haley would be 'mistake' as his running mate

The escalating verbal sparring between Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley continues after Haley's comment that New Hampshire voters "rectify" the results of the Iowa caucuses. Following this, Governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, campaigned in Iowa for ex-President Trump, criticizing the idea of Haley being Trump's running mate.

Noem, a Trump endorser since September, was in Sioux City, Iowa, asserting to prospective Jan. 15 caucus voters that Trump, with his record on tax cuts, trade policies, and foreign policy, was the best pick for Republicans. Noem, who served with Trump on the Armed Services Committee, criticized Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador under Trump, for her inconsistency, indicating that she shifts her position with changing political tides.

While discussing foreign policy, Noem insisted that the current situations in the Middle East, with Russia and Ukraine, and North Korea would not have occurred under Trump. Her visit to Iowa came ahead of Trump's campaign in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Noem's discourse against Haley was following her comments on the Newsmax show the day before, where she stated that selecting Haley would be a mistake. She expressed that though she would support the ticket if Haley was chosen, she had disagreements with Haley over her inconsistencies.

Responding, Haley's campaign spokesperson referenced her appearance on Fox News Sunday where she asserted she was not aiming for the second spot. However, Haley did not completely rule out the possibility of being Trump's running mate during her interview on Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

In her speech, Noem also criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been endorsed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and is known for resisting mask and vaccine mandates in Florida. Noem claimed that DeSantis had shown a lack of resilience against political pressure in the past, proved by his decision to shut down businesses and beaches.

Previously, ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon predicted a clash this spring over the direction of the Trump campaign and the speculated inclusion of Haley in the team, voicing similar concerns about Haley's potential influence on the campaign.

During her interview with CBS News, Noem denied she was in Sioux City to vie for the vice presidential role alongside Trump, stating that her purpose was to aid Trump in winning. When asked if she would accept a proposal to run as Trump's VP, she replied that anyone in the country offered the position should consider it.

Noem's criticism of Haley continued, expressing her uncertainty about Haley's genuine political stance, given her frequent changes in position based on political climate.