Former South Carolina governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has come under fire for her response to a voter's question about the cause of the Civil War. During a campaign event in New Hampshire, the voter asked Haley what the cause of the war was, and her initial response failed to mention slavery. Haley stated that she believed the cause of the Civil War was how the government was going to run and the role of government in people's lives. She emphasized the importance of capitalism and economic freedom, as well as individual liberties such as freedom of speech and religion. However, her response drew criticism from the voter, who expressed shock that she didn't mention slavery.

Following the backlash, Haley has since clarified her remarks, acknowledging that slavery was indeed the spark that ignited the Civil War. She explained that while slavery is a significant part of South Carolina's history, she believes the bigger issue at hand is determining the role of government and the rights and freedoms of individuals. Haley expressed her commitment to fighting for freedom of speech, religion, and the ability for individuals to pursue their aspirations without government interference.

Haley's comments received criticism from both the White House and fellow Republican candidates. President Biden took to social media to state that the Civil War was indeed about slavery, while the campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded with a simple "Yikes." However, not everyone joined in the criticism, with New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu calling Haley's response "spot on."

Despite the backlash, some conservatives argued that the question posed to Haley was a “gotcha” question and that she handled it well. Fox News host Griff Jenkins praised Haley for not giving in to the pressure of the question and commended her response.

Overall, Haley's initial failure to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War sparked controversy and criticism. However, she has since clarified her remarks, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and the role of government while acknowledging the significance of slavery in American history. The debate surrounding Haley's response highlights the ongoing discussions about the causes and implications of the Civil War in the United States.