Sen. Tim Scott to endorse Trump at New Hampshire rally on Friday, days before crucial primary

Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina plans to endorse former President Donald Trump on Friday, throwing his weight behind his onetime rival for the 2024 nomination just days before the New Hampshire primary.

Scott was set to travel with Trump to the Granite State and announce his endorsement at a rally in Concord on Friday night, sources said. Scott posted a video to X on Friday, showing Trump's plane in the background.

"Oh man, I'm so excited for the announcement tonight. Just tune in, pay attention, listen closely, and let's talk about four more years," Scott said.

The senator dropped his own bid for the White House in November 2023 after failing to gain traction in the polls. At the time he said he had no plans to endorse a candidate.

His decision to back Trump comes as a blow to Nikki Haley, who appointed Scott to fill a vacancy in the Senate in 2013 when she was governor of South Carolina. Haley is hoping for a strong showing in New Hampshire, which holds its primary on Tuesday, Jan. 23. 

A spokesperson for the Haley campaign reacted to news of Scott's endorsement by saying it was a sign that Trump was joining forces with "Washington insiders."

"Interesting that Trump's lining up with all the Washington insiders when he claimed he wanted to drain the swamp," the spokesperson said. "But the fellas are gonna do what the fellas are gonna do."

The New York Times first reported Scott's plans to back Trump on Friday.

The endorsement will continue fueling speculation that the former president could choose the senator as his running mate. Several other Republican leaders, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Haley, are also said to be among those Trump is considering and openly discussing with associates.

Scott, the only Black Republican senator, is the 25th member of the upper chamber to endorse the former president's 2024 bid, according to a CBS News tally. With his backing, Trump has now earned the endorsement of more than half of the sitting Republican senators.

Olivia Rinaldi, Allison Novelo and Fin Gómez contributed reporting.

In:
• Tim Scott
• Donald Trump

Caitlin Huey-Burns

Caitlin Huey-Burns is a political correspondent for CBS News based in Washington, D.C.

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