“Just like in the GOP presidential primary when there’s a crowded field, you need to get attention,” says Johanna Dunaway, professor or political science and research director at the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship. “Given the venue and the tone and timing of this, it appears it’s Trump he’s trying to get attention from.” 

“Haley continuing to garner support after suspending her campaign may indicate that a significant number of normally loyal Republicans are not supportive of Trump,” says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

"It's a pipe dream, in a way. What they're doing is partly performative, for ideological purposes," says Ryan Griffiths, professor of political science. "A lot of time, secessionist movements are really just bargaining efforts."