Koch network faces internal scrutiny after Nikki Haley endorsement

The political branch of the powerful Koch network is facing scrutiny as operatives chafe against a decision to endorse Nikki Haley for president that many see as out of step with their values.

The decision by Americans for Prosperity’s super PAC to get behind a candidate with seemingly little chance of prevailing in the GOP primary — and, more critically, one who espouses views contrary to key parts of the Koch network’s well-financed advocacy efforts — has confounded longtime Koch-world operatives alike.

Chris Maidment, who up until this weekend was a director of grassroots operations for Americans for Prosperity in the key primary state of New Hampshire, spoke out late Friday on X that he opposed the group’s endorsement of Haley and would not be helping the organization to support her.

A day later, Maidment was “terminated” from the organization, he said, and he told NBC News that he is not the only one within the Koch-backed group who is disappointed in the Haley endorsement. He noted Americans for Prosperity leadership were warned there would be “attrition” within the group’s ranks if they moved ahead with backing Haley.