In a significant political development, former GOP presidential candidate and current South Carolina Senator Tim Scott is reportedly set to endorse Donald Trump this Friday in New Hampshire, according to a source privy to the matter who spoke to CNN.
This anticipated endorsement is seen as a setback for his fellow South Carolinian, Nikki Haley, who had appointed Scott to his Senate seat back in 2012. It also underscores Trump’s dominant position within the party. CNN had previously reported on behind-the-scenes discussions between Trump and Scott regarding the endorsement, as confirmed by multiple knowledgeable sources.
Trump’s inner circle had initially hoped for Scott’s endorsement before the South Carolina primary, according to insiders. However, the timeline was expedited as Haley’s popularity surged in New Hampshire’s polls. The New York Times was the first to report on the expected endorsement.
When questioned about Scott’s intentions during a visit to a New Hampshire diner on Friday, Haley responded, “We’ll wait and see if it happens,” before declining to answer further questions. According to a source close to Haley, the former South Carolina governor was unaware of Scott’s plans to proceed with the endorsement.
By announcing the endorsement ahead of the New Hampshire primary, Trump’s team appears to be attempting to portray Haley as unpopular among those who should theoretically know her best – her home state constituents. South Carolina Representatives Russell Fry and William Timmons are also expected to join Trump’s campaign in New Hampshire this weekend, Fry confirmed to CNN, as Trump’s team intensifies its efforts against Haley.
While Trump’s team exudes confidence in the former president’s chances of winning the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, his advisers have conceded that they believe the race is tighter in New Hampshire than in any other early voting state.
CNN’s Manu Raju contributed to this report.