President Donald Trump has shown his knack for theatrics yet again. This time, he’s targeted none other than former Governor Nikki Haley, labeling her a “birdbrain” in a post on Truth Social. But he didn’t stop there. In a move that can only be described as audacious, his campaign went ahead and delivered a birdcage, complete with a bag of seeds, to Haley’s hotel room.

The Trump campaign even notified national political reporter Marc Caputo, ensuring someone in the media was aware of their sensational stunt. But the drama didn’t end there. After posting about the incident, Haley found herself under attack from critics accusing her of fabricating a hoax, drawing comparisons to convicted hoaxer Jussie Smollett. Yet the evidence suggests otherwise.

After a day of campaigning, this is the message waiting for me outside my hotel room…#PrettyPatheticTryAgain#YouJustMadeMyCaseForMe pic.twitter.com/htbSumo58r

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) October 1, 2023

Trump’s jab at Haley came after her praise of his presidency during the second Republican primary debate, which he didn’t attend. Haley had said she would never run against him, citing his ‘outstanding job’ as President. Trump responded by dismissing her words as insincere and questioning her talent and temperament for the job.

In her response, Haley shared a photo of the ‘gift’ left outside her hotel room, adding the caption, “#PrettyPatheticTryAgain #YouJustMadeMyCaseForMe.” Critics were quick to pounce, accusing her of pulling a Jussie Smollett-style hoax. However, Caputo’s testimony backs up the authenticity of the incident.

In a tweet, Caputo confirmed receiving a text from the Trump camp at 1:30 am, featuring a photo of the birdcage and feed in front of Haley’s hotel door. He went on to post a story about it on The Messenger. When critics suggested a hoax, Caputo retorted, “Now some people are suggesting we fell for a hoax lol. Check some of the replies THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE!”

At 1:30 am, the Trump camp texted me the birdcage-and-feed photo in front of Haley’s Des Moines hotel door

After I woke up, we posted a story about it @TheMessenger

Now some people are suggesting we fell for a hoax lol

Check some of the replies

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE! https://t.co/oyTZDUQZrR pic.twitter.com/3iwopd1F53

— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) October 1, 2023

Andrew Egger from The Dispatch also chimed in, calling the incident a ‘weird story’ and pointing out the irony of Haley being accused of fabricating the incident when the Trump campaign had been the ones to brag about it.

It’s clear that tensions are high within the Republican party as the 2024 Primaries draw nearer. This incident is a stark reminder of Trump’s controversial yet captivating tactics that continue to dominate headlines. Whether this will work in his favor or backfire, only time will tell. One thing’s for sure though – the political landscape is anything but dull with Trump in the mix.