Haley took issue with Vivek Ramaswamy recently joining TikTok
During the second GOP presidential debate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley openly criticized entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy for his stance on TikTok, expressing her frustration with his position. She stated:
“This is infuriating because TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps that we could have, and what you’ve got, I honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say.”
Christie rips Trump for not showing up to debate, suggests new nickname of ‘Donald Duck’
Haley went on to clarify her concerns about TikTok, emphasizing her belief that China is harvesting the data of Americans who use the platform, thereby making the United States vulnerable. She raised the issue of China potentially gaining access to users’ contacts, financial information, emails, and text messages through TikTok. She also criticized Ramaswamy for supporting the production of medicines in China, rather than in the United States, and for advocating for young Americans to join a social media platform that she viewed as a danger to national security.
Vivek Ramaswamy responded to Nikki Haley’s criticism by calling for a more substantive debate on policy issues rather than personal insults. He stated:
“The party would be better served if we’re not sitting here hurling personal insults and actually have a legitimate debate about policy.”
Ramaswamy reiterated his position on social media use by young people, emphasizing that children under the age of 16 should not be using addictive social media platforms. He argued that in order to achieve the goal of reducing dependence on China, the party needed to prioritize winning elections and reaching the next generation.
He stated, “I have a radical idea for the Republican Party. We need to win elections.”
Ramaswamy further emphasized the importance of reaching young people, pointing out that Democrats were doing so at a higher rate and that he was the only one in the Republican Party actively working towards that goal.
Vivek Ramaswamy highlighted what he believes sets him apart as a candidate, emphasizing his willingness to surround himself with the “best and brightest” individuals and his commitment to listening to others because he doesn’t consider himself a “know-it-all.”
In response to Nikki Haley’s earlier criticism, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy, Tricia McLaughlin, released a statement to Fox News Digital, saying:
“It’s a shame that Nikki Haley feels she has to resort to personal attacks in lieu of an actual vision for the country. I’m sure she didn’t launch personal attacks in the boardroom at Boeing, and the American people expect the same as part of the electoral process.”
The debate featured seven GOP candidates and took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The candidates included North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, biotech entrepreneur and political commentator Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.