WASHINGTON: Former President Donald Trump, a leading Republican candidate, has consistently employed questioning the eligibility of his political opponents to contest the US presidency, notably focusing on fellow contender Nikki Haley in what’s termed “birtherism.”
This strategy, reminiscent of previous challenges during Obama’s presidency, raises questions about Haley’s citizenship, echoing Trump’s past claims against Barack Obama. The US Constitution stipulates specific criteria for presidential eligibility, requiring candidates to be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the country for 14 years.
Haley, born to Indian immigrant parents in South Carolina, meets these requirements, debunking Trump’s assertions. This tactic underscores the contentious nature of US electoral politics, where legal eligibility often becomes a battleground for political advantage.