Nikki Haley Lands a New Gig

Nikki Haley has joined the Hudson Institute. The Hudson Institute is a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. It is known for focusing on international affairs and national security.

This sounds like a good fit for her. After being the last challenger standing in the Republican presidential primary, she has wasted no time in securing her next job. She suspended her campaign in March.

Haley’s impressive resume is well-known. A two-term governor and the former ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, the Hudson president and CEO released a short statement acknowledging her hiring.

“Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy,” Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters said in a statement Monday. “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’s vision of the world and America’s place in it is often at odds with Trump and his supporters who are in favor of an America First agenda in foreign policy. Haley advocated for a strong U.S. foreign policy in dealing with global hot spots during her time at the United Nations. She ran for president as a supporter of a more muscular foreign policy than many conservatives condone. 

She has been honored by the Hudson Institute in the past. She blasted Vivek Ramanswamy during Republican debates, as he is a supporter of Trump’s America First philosophy. 

“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 said. “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, who received the Hudson Institute’s global leadership award in 2018 during her tenure as U.N. ambassador, will serve as the institute’s Walter P. Stern Chair. According to the Hudson Institute, the position was created four years ago to commemorate a former chair “who was instrumental in making Hudson one of Washington’s most respected research organizations.”

The institute emphasized that “it is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title” because “she is a courageous and insightful policymaker.”

Haley said when she left the presidential primary race that she would continue to speak out. This will provide her with a venue. She has not endorsed Trump for president, saying he has to earn the endorsement. 

Nikki Haley is youngish for a politician. She’s 52 so there is plenty of time if she wants to make another presidential run or be a cabinet member for a future Republican president. She was courted by the No Labels organization, as they hoped she could be persuaded to become a third-party candidate. She said all along that she is a lifelong Republican and is not interested in running as anything else. We’ll see.