Nikki Haley Lands New Position At Conservative Think Tank

When former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign amid a lackluster primary bid against former President Donald Trump, many political pundits wondered whether there was still a place left for her within the conservative movement.

“She’s definitely not getting a position in Trump’s administration,” opined Miles Coleman of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “The best case scenario for her is that Trump crashes and burns and loses the general election in a decisive way. If she runs again, she would have an easy ‘I told you so’ that could play well for her.”

If she is hoping for such a scenario, recent reports indicate she has landed another gig in the meantime. The Hudson Institute, a right-leaning think tank based in D.C., announced in a press release that it had named Haley to serve as its next Walter P. Stern chairperson.

“Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy,” said John P. Walters, the think tank’s president and CEO. “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, who also served as ambassador to the United Nations between 2017 and 2018, is not the only former Trump administration official who has gone on to secure a position at the Hudson Institute. Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accepted roles in the group in 2021. 

Upon announcing her exit from the GOP presidential primary race last month, Haley indicated a desire to continue influencing U.S. politics, though she left her options open.

“I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard — I have done that,” she said. “I have no regrets. And although I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.”

As for her new role at the Hudson Institute, Haley issued a statement calling the organization’s work “critical” in an increasingly dangerous world.

“They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future,” she wrote. “I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world.”