Haley Receives Negative Reception in Iowa, Criticized for Comments on New Hampshire Voters

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was booed on stage during a town hall event in Iowa last night after comments she made about New Hampshire.

The backlash comes as her main rivals for the nomination are increasing their attacks on the former South Carolina governor, who is battling with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for a second-place finish behind the frontrunner in the race, former President Donald Trump.

In a CNN town hall, Haley was asked about comments she made in New Hampshire, which were seen as “insulting” to Iowa voters. Her characterization of Iowa voters was described as “disrespectful” by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has endorsed the DeSantis campaign, also posted a tweet expressing trust in Iowans to make their own decisions.

After being booed at the Iowa town hall, Haley explained that her comments in New Hampshire were meant to be lighthearted and that she thinks politics can be “too serious and too dramatic.”

However, these comments have not been taken lightly by Iowa conservatives.

Multiple Iowa political figures have criticized Haley’s comments made in New Hampshire, one key Iowa evangelical leader endorsing DeSantis, and another state representative, John Wills, said her comments show she is “worried and has to spin it.”

Trump has also shifted his attacks to Haley, recently calling her a “sellout” while criticizing her on taxes and immigration. .

Haley’s campaign, in response to Trump’s attacks, said he is “clearly threatened” by her growing numbers and called the race a two-person race between Nikki and Trump.

Information from The Associated Press was added to this report.