Attorney General Jeff Sessions survived the wrath of his boss, but can Nikki Haley? Sessions angered President Trump by recusing himself from the Russia investigation, but Haley seems to have done something potentially more treacherous: she went off-script. The former South Carolina governor who Trump appointed to represent the US at the United Nations didn’t sound like she received the White House playbook this weekend. Questioned on CBS News about the veritable reckoning surrounding sexual misconduct in the US — a reckoning that stretches from the casting couches of Hollywood to the halls of Congress — Haley said she applauded the bravery of the women who have come forward, saying: “I’m proud of their courage.”
Asked specifically about the women who have accused Donald Trump of sexual harassment Haley replied, “Well, I mean, you know, the same thing, women who accuse anyone should be heard.” The White House playbook suggests an answer to that question more like: “the American people have spoken and this issue was dealt with before the election and let’s move on.” That is definitely not the answer Haley gave. She said instead, of Trump: “I know that he was elected. But, you know, women should always feel comfortable coming forward. And we should all be willing to listen to them.” Haley’s response clearly does not close the door the way White House appointments are supposed to close it. Can Haley survive her lack of loyalty?
