Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is facing controversy following a Daily Mail report alleging she had two extramarital affairs. As the New Hampshire GOP primary approaches, Haley is now defending herself against these accusations.
The report claims that Haley had relationships with political associates Will Folks, 49, and Larry Merchant, 61, which were considered an “open secret” in South Carolina political circles. Both men signed affidavits confirming their inappropriate relationships with Haley, who was married to Michael Haley for 28 years. Haley denied both allegations at the time, stating that she was “100% faithful” to her husband. Michael Haley served in the National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. New witnesses have come forward, prompting Haley to ban Daily Mail journalists from her public events. A reporter and photographer were asked to leave a meet-and-greet with New Hampshire voters.
There is a feeling among some Republicans that Democrats and the mainstream media are supporting Haley’s campaign in the hope that she will surpass Trump to face Biden in the fall. However, recent elections have shown that mainstream Republicans with weak conservative credentials do not have the appeal needed to win a national election.
The report claims that Haley had relationships with political associates Will Folks, 49, and Larry Merchant, 61, which were considered an “open secret” in South Carolina political circles. Both men signed affidavits confirming their inappropriate relationships with Haley, who was married to Michael Haley for 28 years. Haley denied both allegations at the time, stating that she was “100% faithful” to her husband. Michael Haley served in the National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. New witnesses have come forward, prompting Haley to ban Daily Mail journalists from her public events. A reporter and photographer were asked to leave a meet-and-greet with New Hampshire voters.
Nikki Haley did cheat on husband Michael – had affairs with her comms consultant and a married South Carolina lobbyist before she became governor, according to sworn affidavits
Via @DailyMail https://t.co/2DtoFcI7Xt pic.twitter.com/EimcaAWLqy
— Reese Gorman (@reesejgorman) January 19, 2024
