In her first public appearance since ending her presidential bid in March, Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador, announced she would vote for Donald Trump. Speaking at the Hudson Institute, she criticized President Biden and some Republicans on foreign policy, but didn’t initially mention Trump. In a subsequent chat, Haley emphasized her preference for a president who secures the border, reduces national debt, and strengthens foreign policy. Despite acknowledging Trump’s imperfections, she labeled Biden’s presidency a catastrophe and urged Trump to engage her supporters.
Haley’s speech echoed themes from her campaign, criticizing both parties for neglecting national security and foreign policy. She condemned Biden’s handling of Afghanistan, China, and Iran, and called his decision to withhold bombs from Israel “foolish.” Although Trump recently ruled out selecting Haley as a running mate, her endorsement remains influential. Haley, newly appointed as the Walter P. Stern chairwoman at the Hudson Institute, commands a strong network of donors and a base of young, educated, and independent voters, which she warned Trump not to take for granted.
