Nikki Haley, who was the last remaining rival to former President Donald Trump in the Republican nomination, ended her bid for president last month. Now, Haley has taken up a new job a prominent conservative think tank, Hudson Institute, known for its focus on national security and international affairs.
Former Governor of South Carolina
Prior to entering the presidential race, Haley was the former Governor of South Carolina. She left the office to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration.
Haley will be joining the Washington, D.C.-based Hudson Institute as the organization’s Walter P. Stern Chair.
The Walter P. Stern Chair
On Monday, a press release was published sharing details about Haley’s new position at the Hudson Institute. The press release states that the Walter P. Stern Chair position was established in 2020.
It was created “to commemorate the achievements of former Chairman Walter “Wally” Stern, who was instrumental in making Hudson one of Washington’s most respected research organizations.”
Focus On National Security and Foreign Policy
The Hudson Institute’s primary focus is on national security and foreign policy issues. In the press release, Haley said, “When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudson’s work is so critical.”
Haley added, “They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future. I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world.”
Haley – A “Proven Effective Leader”
Hudson Institute President and CEO John P. Walters said, “Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy.”
Walters added, “In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity. We are honored to have her join the Hudson team.”
Haley – An “Insightful Policymaker”
Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson Institute’s Board of Trustees said, “It is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title.”
Stern added, “She is a courageous and insightful policymaker and these qualities are vital in making Hudson the powerhouse policy organization it is today, and I am extremely proud that she has joined the Institute.”
Haley’s Past Associations With The Hudson Institute
In 2020, Haley delivered a speech at the Hudson Institute lauding capitalism as the best economic system in the world. She also participated in a discussion with a senior fellow of the think tank.
Back in 2018, Haley had also received the Hudson’s Global Leadership Award.
Haley’s New Role
It is not entirely clear what kind of work Haley will be doing with the group.
According to a Hudson Institute spokesperson, Haley’s new role entails focusing on national security, foreign policy, and other important areas of policymaking. The spokesperson refrained from providing specific details.
Terms Of Employment
The spokesperson declined to disclose Haley’s remuneration and whether the position is full-time.
So far, only one other person has held the Walter P. Stern Chair position. Ken Weinstein, who is a former president and CEO of Hudson Institute, served in the role. Currently, he holds the title of Japan Chair at the institute.
Haley’s Foreign Policy Stance
While running in the Republican presidential nomination race, Haley was seen advocating for a strong foreign policy stance for the U.S. to deal with global hotspots of conflict like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, etc.
Haley’s stance on these issues offers a stark contrast to former president Trump’s “America First” agenda that is more focused on keeping the U.S. out of international-level entanglements.
Haley’s Presidential Campaign
Haley launched her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination race in February 2023. She was the first major candidate running in the presidential race against former president Trump who had declared his candidacy three months before her.
Haley ultimately emerged as Trump’s final competitor in the nomination race, engaging in a head-to-head battle with the former president from the New Hampshire primary in late January through Super Tuesday in early March.
Suspension Of The White House Campaign
On March 6, following Trump’s decisive victory in 14 out of 15 Republican Party nominating contests on Super Tuesday, Haley finally announced the decision to suspend her White House campaign.
Even though Haley formally exited the race for the Republican presidential nomination, she made it clear that she was fully committed to continuing to speak out.
Speech Announcing Her Decision
On March 6, in her hometown city, Charleston, Haley said in a speech at her presidential campaign headquarters, “While I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.”
Haley refuses to lend her support to Trump.
Trump Has To Win The Trust of Republican Voters
During the speech, Haley also said, “It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him. And I hope he does that.”
Haley added, “This is now his time for choosing.”
Rumors About Vice Presidential Selection
After Haley dropped out of the Republican presidential nomination race, there were rumors circulating that she continues to remain a potential candidate for Trump’s vice presidential selection.
However, considering how contentious her interactions with Trump were during the campaign and the absence of any recent outreach from him make this prospect highly unlikely.
