After voting in South Carolina’s GOP presidential primary, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) briefly faced questions from reporters. When asked about Donald Trump comparing himself to Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition figure who recently died in a Siberian gulag after years of imprisonment and torture, Scott did not directly address the comparison.
The reporter inquired, “Do you agree with Trump likening him having to pay his fine in the New York civil fraud trial to the killing of Alexei Navalny?” Scott responded, deflecting the focus of the question, stating, “Yeah, I think the one thing we can get out of the judgment in New York is that every business person who fears for the future of their business because of the absolutely oppressive nature of the courts in New York, they are now considering leaving the state. It is absolutely insane that you would see that kind of judgment coming out.”
Pressed further on the comparison to Navalny, Scott bristled, and as other reporters sought clarification, he walked away without directly addressing the question.
Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner commented on the situation, noting that Senator Scott had just voted and assumed it was for the person he is now a surrogate for—Donald Trump and Nikki Haley’s home state of South Carolina. Faulkner highlighted the early voting and the unexpected news conference with Senator Scott, emphasizing the upcoming primary on Saturday. The incident showcased Scott’s avoidance of addressing Trump’s comparison to Navalny and the challenges faced by reporters seeking clarification on the matter.
“Yeah, I think the one thing we can get out of the judgment in New York is that every business person who fears for the future of their business because of the absolutely oppressive nature of the courts in New York, they are now considering leaving the state. It is absolutely insane that you would see that kind of judgment coming out,” replied, avoiding the focus of the question.
“But what about the comparison to Alexei Navalny?” the reporter added as Scott bristled.
“What about specifically the comparison to Navalny? Do you have anything to say about that?” other reporters asked as Scott walked away.
“Senator Tim Scott had just voted. And we assume that was for the person he is now a surrogate for Donald Trump and Nikki Haley’s home state of South Carolina. So two things happening there early voting, because the, the primary is not until Saturday. And also, kind of a spot news break out news conference with Senator Scott,” concluded Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner.
