Why does Donald Trump appear to be so nervous about Nikki Haley?

Despite his recent triumph in the US primaries in Iowa, where he secured a commanding lead of 30 percent over his closest Republican opponent, Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador has still been emerging as a formidable competitor.

With the upcoming primary in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Trump, always vigilant against potential threats, has launched a fervent offensive against Haley.

In the latest polls, Trump maintains a substantial lead with 52 to 38 percent, yet he seems determined to undermine any perceived challenge with personal attacks.

His focus has shifted to Haley, and the attacks have been relentless. Notorious for his direct approach, Trump has brought up Haley’s Indian first name, mistakenly altering it to “Nimrada.” (Haley was born as Nimarata Nikki Randhawa, she adopted her husband’s surname.)

Trump has initiated a campaign suggesting that Haley was not born in the USA and should be disqualified from running—an echo of similar polemics directed at Barack Obama, where Trump questioned Obama’s birthplace and spread false “birther” claims that he was born in Kenya.

Additionally, Trump has defamed Haley as a “cheerleader” for China, revisiting her past statements during her tenure as his chief diplomat at the UN when she referred to the Far East dictatorship as “our really great friends.”

In a recent social media post, Trump shared a photo montage morphing Haley’s face with that of former opponent Hillary Clinton, wielding a “Hillary hammer” against Haley, a tactic that resonates well with his supporters.

The overarching theme of Trump’s attacks positions Haley as a candidate beholden to political and economic elites, allegedly at the mercy of powerful donors.

Despite Haley’s significant advertising expenditure of $28 million in the New England state, compared to Trump’s $14.4 million, the former president seems intent on closing the financial gap through his aggressive rhetoric.