Former South Carolina Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has announced her new role as the Walter P. Stern Chair at the Hudson Institute, a prominent conservative foreign policy think tank, following her withdrawal from the primary race last month.
Haley, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018 under the Trump administration, dropped out of the 2024 Republican primary after failing to gain sufficient momentum against former President Donald Trump in the wake of Super Tuesday. During her campaign, Haley emphasized the importance of America's alliances with countries such as Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
In her new position at the Hudson Institute, Haley aims to further her foreign policy objectives by guiding policymakers. "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 stated. "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."
The Walter P. Stern Chair program, established in 2020, recognizes the accomplishments of former Hudson chairman Walter "Wally" Stern, who played a crucial role in transforming the institute into a renowned foreign policy organization. Hudson President and CEO John Walters praised Haley, saying, "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."
Since her departure from the presidential race, Haley had maintained a low profile, spending time with her family and contemplating her next steps. In her primary-race resignation speech, she challenged Trump to win over her supporters but stopped short of endorsing him. "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 said at the time.
Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson's board of trustees, commended Haley's appointment, stating, "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."
Haley joins other notable figures at the Hudson Institute, such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who joined the think tank in 2021. Her experience as a governor and U.S. Ambassador to the UN, coupled with her moderate political stance, is expected to contribute to the institute's ongoing efforts to shape foreign policy discussions and provide solutions to global challenges.
