Former President Trump's ex-primary rivals have shown varying degrees of support for him as he faces legal challenges in New York City. The presumptive 2024 Republican nominee has garnered backing from key figures within the party.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has emerged as a vocal supporter of Trump during his trial. Scott, who has been rumored as a potential running mate for Trump, criticized a New York judge's decision to fine Trump for violating a gag order, labeling it as 'disgusting' in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.
Another early dropout, Vivek Ramaswamy, has also stood firmly in Trump's corner. Ramaswamy denounced the trial as a 'politicized persecution disguised as a prosecution' in a statement on TikTok.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has had a somewhat strained relationship with Trump, recently met with the former president in Miami, hinting at a potential reconciliation between the two.
On the other hand, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has remained relatively silent on the matter. Haley, the last GOP primary rival to drop out, previously stated that Trump's legal issues should be resolved before the November election but has refrained from commenting on the ongoing trial.
As Trump navigates his legal challenges, his former rivals' reactions provide insight into the dynamics within the Republican Party and the varying levels of support for the embattled ex-president.
