Nikki Haley Catches Heat For Response To Question About Trump Sexual Abuse

Nikki Haley claimed she hasnt been paying attention to the many legal cases involving her political opponent Donald Trump , and critics were incredulous. 

The GOP presidential candidate was asked by CNN s Dana Bash on Tuesday, Youre the only woman in this race. How do you feel about your partys front-runner being held liable for sexual abuse?

Haley replied: I havent paid attention to his cases, and Im not a lawyer. All I know is hes innocent until proven guilty.

Bash tried again, noting that many Republicans dismiss the cases against the former president as witch hunts.

Haley argued that some of the cases have been political, but this one I havent looked at. 

But look, if hes found guilty, then he needs to pay the price, she continued. 

Its not clear what that price would be, considering Haley has said she would pardon Trump  if hes convicted of a crime and she becomes president.

In May, a Manhattan jury unanimously found Trump liable for sexually abusing  writer E. Jean Carroll. Carroll was awarded $2 million for the finding of sexual abuse and another $3 million for her claim Trump subsequently defamed her. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and is appealing that decision.

He faces trial this week to determine damages in a second  lawsuit brought by Carroll over defamatory comments he made about her in 2019.

Separately, Trump has been indicted on 91 felony counts across four criminal indictments.

Haleys remarks were met with skepticism and backlash online from prominent critics and journalists.

Conservative attorney George Conway noted that not only was Trump found liable, the judge overseeing the new trial has barred Trump from denying that the sexual abuse occurred or arguing that she made up her account.

Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele said Haleys claim showed she was either out of touch with her opponent or youre being disingenuous.

Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan said Haley is desperate to be Trumps vice president, especially after the Iowa caucuses, where she came in third behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

Haley has not ruled out  being Trumps running mate.

See some of the other online commentary below.