Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who ended her White House bid last month, is now joining the Hudson Institute. The conservative think tank, based in Washington, D.C., focuses on international affairs and national security and has appointed Haley as the Walter P. Stern Chair.
In a press release on Monday, Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters said,
Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy. 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.
The establishment of the Walter P. Stern Chair in 2020 at the Hudson Institute is in commemoration of the contributions of former Chairman Walter "Wally" Stern, who played a crucial role in elevating the Hudson Institute's status in Washington, D.C.
Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson’s Board of Trustees, said,
It is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title. 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.
In a statement, 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. 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.
During her presidential campaign, Haley advocated for robust U.S. foreign policy positions, especially concerning ongoing global conflicts with Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Her stances often contrasted with her primary GOP rival, former president Donald Trump and his "America First" agenda, which prioritizes avoiding international entanglements.
On the debate stage last August, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy dug into Haley, who is often perceived as a war hawk or "neocon" by the GOP base. Ramaswamy slammed Haley for her support of Ukraine, alleging a connection to defense contractors, telling her,
I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon.
Haley dropped out of the presidential race after Super Tuesday but has not endorsed Trump, even though she signed a pledge with the Republican National Committee promising to support the eventual nominee.
During her concession speech, she 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.
Hudson's notable past members include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Vice President Dan Quayle. In recent years, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao have also joined the Hudson Institute.
Haley previously served as an Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump's administration. In 2018, Haley received Hudson’s Global Leadership Award.
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