Former Deputy Press Secretary Under Trump Responds to Donation Threat By Giving Money to Nikki Haley

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Sarah Matthews, who served as former President Donald Trump’s deputy White House press secretary between 2020 and 2021, responded to Trump’s warning to Nikki Haley donors on Wednesday by donating to Haley’s campaign.

After Trump warned Republicans that “from this moment forth,” anyone who donates to Haley’s campaign will be “permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Matthews donated to Haley’s campaign and publicly shared a receipt of the donation on social media.

“Done. Join me in donating to @NikkiHaley here,” wrote Matthews, along with a link to Haley’s donation page.

After beating Haley in the New Hampshire primary, Trump warned on Wednesday that “anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain [Haley], from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp.”

He concluded, “We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!”

Matthews served as Trump’s deputy White House press secretary from June 2020 until January 2021, when she resigned in response to the January 6 Capitol riots.

On Tuesday, Trump lashed out at Kayleigh McEnany, his former White House press secretary and Matthews’ former mentor, after McEnany advised him to focus on uniting the party and winning independents.

“I don’t need any advice from RINO Kayleigh McEnany on Fox,” wrote Trump. “Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better. Save your advice for Nikki!”