MILFORD, N.H. — Former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley spoke out against Donald Trump on her latest swing through New Hampshire during the pivotal weeks before the Jan. 23 primary, a departure from the more reserved approach to attacking the former president she’s typically exhibited.
“I see the commercials that you are seeing. President Trump’s given me some attention these days,” Haley said, responding to Trump’s Super PAC’s first negative ad against her this cycle, which called her “High Tax Haley.”
“In his commercials and in his temper tantrums, every single thing that he’s said has been a lie,” she continued.
Haley said she was “kind of flattered” by the ad and said the attacks show that Trump is “getting uncomfortable.”
Advertisement
“So when they go and clip little pieces of speeches I give, tell the truth,” she said. “If you’ve got to lie to win, you don’t deserve to win.”
Get N.H. Morning Report
A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox.
She made the same attack Tuesday night at an event in Rye, N.H.
Numerous polls have shown Haley pulling into a clear second place in New Hampshire’s critical first-in-the-nation presidential primary contest, with one eyebrow-raising poll by American Research Group Inc last week putting Haley within four percentage points of Trump. (Other polls show her behind the former president by a double-digit margin.)
Advertisement
With fewer than three weeks before primary day, Haley appeared willing to sharpen her attacks on Trump.
Haley referenced Trump throughout her three events Wednesday. In Kingston, N.H., she said while she thinks “President Trump was the right president at the right time,” he attracted “chaos.”
In Milford, N.H., she told a crowded gymnasium that “we can’t have a country in disarray and a world on fire and go through four more years of chaos.”
“We won’t survive,” she said to applause. “You don’t defeat Democrat chaos with Republican chaos.”
Kevin Cronin, 59, of Londonderry, said Haley’s comments are fair, and that “she is going to unite America.”
Advertisement
“If it were her against Biden, she’d cream him. I am really passionate about that,” he said. “Her platform, her issues are aligned with mine.”
Even given her recent comments, some moderate voters in New Hampshire wish she hit Trump harder. In interviews with the Globe, several voters attending Haley’s events said they prefer the more abrasive style of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who called Trump “dictator,” a “bully,” and an “angry, bitter man” during a debate last month.
These voters had not missed that during a recent stop in Plymouth, N.H., Haley pledged to pardon Trump if he is convicted of any of the 91 felony charges he is currently facing.
“I like Christie’s attacks on Trump. I think Haley’s too wishy-washy. She’s not addressing the subject,” said Bob McGrath, 74, of Londonderry, N.H. “She’s not addressing whether she’d pardon Trump. This whole election has got me really nervous.”
Joanne Dworman, of Exeter, N.H., said she is concerned Haley is still too cozy with Trump, who appointed her as U.N. ambassador. She wondered if Trump wins the primary election and chooses her as a running mate.
Advertisement
“I don’t want to live in a country that’s not a democracy. I am voting for the person who can beat Trump,” she said. “However, I do not want to be part of the problem if she becomes vice president and goes along with any dictatorial antics by Trump to dismantle our democracy.”
Samantha J. Gross can be reached at samantha.gross@globe.com. Follow her @samanthajgross.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
Advertisement
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
Advertisement
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
Advertisement
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
Advertisement
At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox
