Nikki Haley, following her exit from the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has joined the Hudson Institute as the Walter P. Stern chair.
The New York Post reported that Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced on Monday that she has taken a new role at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank focused on foreign policy.
This decision came shortly after her withdrawal from the intense 2024 Republican presidential primary race, where she was the last significant challenger to Donald Trump.
Her campaign, noted for its emphasis on strengthening U.S. alliances with countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, ended following the Super Tuesday results. These results significantly favored Donald Trump, leading Haley to reassess her political strategies.
During her time in the presidential race, Haley frequently highlighted the importance of the U.S.'s international relationships. She has consistently advocated for robust foreign policies that underscore the nation’s alliances as fundamental to global security.
"After dropping out of the presidential race, Haley spent time with her family, contemplating her future steps in the political landscape," a source close to Haley mentioned. This reflection period seemed to strengthen her resolve to continue influencing U.S. foreign policy, albeit from a different platform.
At the Hudson Institute, Haley occupies the Walter P. Stern chair, a position established in 2020 to honor the former chairman, Walter “Wally” Stern. Her role is designed to allow her to guide and influence global policy decisions profoundly. During the announcement, Haley expressed her enthusiasm about continuing her work in a capacity that aligns closely with her expertise and values.
"Nikki 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,'" showcasing her belief in the significance of clear and active foreign policy.
Hudson's response to Haley's appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. John Walters, president and CEO of the institute, praised Haley’s proven leadership skills. "In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity," Walters commented.
Sarah May Stern, chair of the board of trustees at Hudson, and who awarded Haley the Hudson Institute Global Leadership Award in 2018, remarked on the appropriateness of Haley’s new role. "It is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title. She is a courageous and insightful policymaker," Stern said.
This role at Hudson aligns with Haley’s previous stances and actions in her political career, promising a continuation of her influence in global matters. Haley herself highlighted the role's significance and her commitment to the ideals she believes in.
"They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future," Haley said about her new colleagues at the Hudson Institute.
Haley's resignation from the presidential race was marked by a notable speech where she did not endorse Donald Trump but rather challenged him to earn the votes of her supporters. "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," were her parting words, indicating her ongoing influence in the political sphere and hinting at her nuanced stance toward the current political dynamics.
Nikki Haley's move to the Hudson Institute as the Walter P. Stern chair comes after a significant stint in the 2024 Republican presidential primary race. Her emphasis on strong U.S. alliances during her campaign is set to continue as she shapes foreign policy in her new role. Her diplomatic stance during and after the race, alongside her decision not to directly endorse Donald Trump, paints a picture of a leader still very much engaged in the core issues affecting both her party and the country.