In a recent interview on Fox News Channel’s Mediabuzz, host Bret Baier had a pull-aside interview with former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire, addressing Trump’s use of a new nickname, “Nimbra,” for former Ambassador Nikki Haley. Republicans have previously engaged in a controversial tactic of referring to her by her born first name, “Nimrata,” rather than her chosen moniker Nikki, and during the interview, Baier questioned Trump about the racial undertones of the new nickname.
Baier, however, did not press Trump on the racist aspects of the attacks on Haley, allowing Trump to provide a somewhat nonsensical response. When Baier asked why he used the new nickname, Trump replied by mentioning other instances where he created nicknames for people, such as calling Asa Hutchinson “Ada Hutchinson.” He claimed it felt good to him and mentioned looking at people’s names. In a curious statement, Trump added, “You know, her name, wherever she may come from.”
Baier appeared to almost notice the questionable statement and asked Trump, “What do you mean by that?” However, instead of pressing further on the potential racial undertones, Baier let Trump provide an even more nonsensical answer, referencing another nickname, “Pocahontas,” that he used for Elizabeth Warren. Trump stated that he has fun with creating nicknames and finds it to be a very effective tool.
Despite the interview containing elements where Trump made statements that could be perceived as racially insensitive, Baier did not address or challenge Trump on the racial aspects of his attacks on Haley. The author of the article criticizes Baier for not calling out Trump’s “naked racism” during the interview and suggests that Baier allowed Trump to skate by without addressing the issue.
