Nikki Haley, the second Republican candidate to have placed a bid on the White House, on Wednesday called for making “mental competency tests” mandatory for politicians over the age of 75. This would not only have an impact on President Biden but also on former President Donald Trump whose administration she had worked under.
While speaking at a rally in Charleston, S.C., following the launch of her presidential campaign, Haley ran through a number of promises. These would include setting term limits for members of Congress and trying to curb illegal migration. One of the other promises made by Haley included imposing a mandatory cognitive test on older officeholders. This appears to so far be a key part of her candidacy where she has repeatedly called for a change in leadership and for young leaders to start taking over.
Haley said that “in the America I see, the permanent politician will finally retire.”
Her remarks are reflected in both parties as many within the Democratic party have also been calling for changes in leadership. It would also have an effect on the two presidential candidates that she is likely to face in 2024, with Trump in a hypothetical scenario being 78 when he is sworn into the White House in 2024, while Biden would be 82.
Republicans have continuously questioned the cognitive state of President Biden after his multiple gaffes during his speeches.
Trump’s campaign was announced through an online video on Tuesday, making her the first major Republican to officially challenge Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024. She is now expected to hold events in Iowa and New Hampshire, two important states in the Republican primary.
