In a show of support, President Joe Biden defended former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley against attacks from former President Donald Trump over the absence of her deployed husband, Major Michael Haley, from the campaign trail.

During a rally in Conway, South Carolina on Saturday, Trump criticized Major Haley's absence by questioning, "What happened to her husband? Where is he? He's gone! He knew." Responding to this, President Biden took to social media on Sunday and wrote, "The answer is that Major Haley is abroad, serving his country right now. We know he thinks our troops are 'suckers,' but this guy wouldn't know service to his country if it slapped him in the face."

Michael Haley swiftly fired back at Trump, countering with a meme featuring a wolf, which read, "The difference between humans and animals? Animals would never allow the dumbest ones to lead the pack." Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, also responded, condemning Trump's disrespect for military families and asserting that he has no business being the commander in chief.

Furthermore, Haley used this confrontation as an opportunity to challenge Trump to a debate, renewing her calls for a face-off on the political stage. Trump has been increasingly frustrated by Haley's refusal to drop out of the 2024 Republican race for the presidency, given his commanding lead in the polls. Haley, on the other hand, sees her home state of South Carolina as key to gaining momentum against him.

South Carolina's Republican primary is scheduled for February 24, providing a crucial platform for Haley's campaign in the state she previously governed from 2011 to 2017.

In addition to the dispute over Major Haley, Trump's remarks on NATO also drew attention. He questioned the commitment of NATO nations that do not fulfill their obligations, expressing his belief that if they do not pay, the US should not protect them. Trump had been a strong advocate for NATO members fulfilling their obligation to allocate 2% of their GDP to national defense.

The White House swiftly responded to Trump's comments, criticizing his musings about allowing Russia to attack NATO allies. Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates labeled the comments as "appalling and unhinged," emphasizing the detrimental impact on American national security, global stability, and the domestic economy.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also condemned Trump's remarks, stating that any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines their collective security and puts both American and European soldiers at risk.

As the political landscape in the US continues to intensify, the clash between Trump and Haley showcases the divisions within the Republican Party and the ongoing battles for power, both domestically and on the international stage.