Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reiterated her plans during a Fox News town hall to pardon former President Donald Trump, should she win the White House in November and if he is convicted of criminal charges. Haley emphasized that the decision to grant clemency to Trump would be in the best interest of uniting the country. Haley, 52, who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations for 23 months, stated that pardoning Trump would not be based on his innocence or guilt but rather on the importance of moving forward as a nation.

President Gerald Ford's unconditional pardon of President Richard Nixon in 1974, shielding Nixon from criminal liability after the Watergate scandal, serves as a historical reference. Trump is currently facing 91 criminal charges across four separate indictments. His first criminal case, accusing him of falsifying business records, is set for trial on March 25 in Manhattan. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Trump has been ordered to pay hefty amounts of up to $355 million for civil fraud and $83.3 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll.

In response to criticism, Haley has escalated her attacks on Trump, highlighting concerns about his campaign finances and chaotic leadership. However, she has stopped short of confirming her vote for Trump, despite previously committing to supporting him last year. Trump, on the other hand, has retaliated by calling Haley names such as "birdbrain," criticizing her husband, spreading birther conspiracies, and pressuring her to withdraw from the race.

Haley remains determined to persist in the race, vowing never to give up while facing pressure to drop out. The former President has secured 63 delegates compared to Haley's 17 and is considered the frontrunner in all upcoming GOP contests, including the one in South Carolina on Feb. 24.