Tim Scott on Trump’s Nikki Haley attacks: ‘He does what he does’

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) appeared to downplay former President Trump’s attacks on GOP primary rival Nikki Haley following his win in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, arguing Trump “does what he does.”

Scott appeared alongside Trump during the former president’s victory speech Tuesday, when Trump levied a series of attacks against Haley, the former governor of Scott’s home state.

Asked Wednesday by Fox News’s Laura Ingraham if he was uncomfortable standing on stage as Trump criticized Haley, Scott deflected.

“Like, Nikki Haley is your buddy,” Ingraham said. “I mean, these things get uncomfortable. You’re sitting up there, and he’s … pretty tough on her last night.”

Scott responded, “He was.”

“It was pretty tough. … The dress — I probably wouldn’t have recommended that he go for the dress. But I mean, that’s Trump,” Ingraham responded.

The senator, who suspended his own presidential bid in November, interjected: “He does what he does.”

Trump during the victory speech dug into Haley — who served in his administration as ambassador to the United Nations — taking aim at the “fancy dress” she wore during her concession speech earlier in the evening.

Further pressed by Ingraham if it was uncomfortable for him due to his friendship with Haley, Scott said, “She served our state well as the conservative governor.”

But, he continued, “she has decided to be a moderate Republican presidential candidate.”

Scott formally endorsed Trump last week at a rally in New Hampshire. While appearing on stage with Trump following his win, the former president suggested that Scott “must really hate” Haley.

The senator laughed and responded emphatically, “I just love you!”

His endorsement of Trump drew criticism from on both sides of the aisle, as pressure mounts on Senate Republicans to coalesce support around the former president.