Nikki Haley Called Out Donald Trump During Her State of the Union Response
All without ever saying his name. Impressive.


In his final State of the Union address, President Obama called on Americans of all parties to put aside their differences and work together. But what was really unexpected was the Republican response, which actually agreed with Obama on this—and then took a few jabs at its party's own frontrunner.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, often considered a front-runner for vice president, delivered the response Tuesday night. And though she didn't name names, everybody knew who she was talking about. She talked about her own experience as the daughter of Indian immigrants, and said that even though the U.S. needs to fight illegal immigration, "no one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country." And then she called out politicians (cough, Trump) who are more bluster than substance:
In an interview with the Today show Wednesday morning, she confirmed that yup, she was talking about Trump, and she isn't backing down. "Mr. Trump has definitely contributed to what I think is just irresponsible talk," she said. But she added that he's not the only person using volume, not content, to get what he wants. "There's other people in the media, there's people in my state, I think we're seeing it across the country," she said.
In her speech, she said both Republicans and Democrats need to take a hard look at today's politics to figure out how to move forward. And no matter which party you belong to, that seems like sound advice. Watch her full speech below:
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Zoë Kravitz Is the Latest New Yorker to Break the Flip-Flop Rule
She makes it look so easy.
-
Who Needs a Blow Dryer? Olivia Palermo's Bob Says No Thanks
Wet hair, don't care.
-
I'm Officially Swapping Baseball Caps for Kendall Jenner's Straw Hat
In true Hollywood form, she's not the only one inspiring me.
-
The Post-America Moms Club Helping Families Start Over in Europe
A growing number of American moms are ditching the U.S. and raising their families in Europe. A buzzy new membership group is helping them do it.
-
Who is Susie Wiles? President-Elect Donald Trump Names His White House Chief of Staff
The political consultant helped the former president run his successful 2024 campaign.
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 Election
How are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth Celebrating
Including momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential Election
It's official.
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
Features It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.