History of Nikki Haley in Timeline
Nikki Haley is an American politician and diplomat. She served as the 116th governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and as the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018. As a Republican, she is the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Notably, she was a candidate in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, marking her continued involvement in national politics.
1933: Birth of Ajit Singh Randhawa
In 1933, Ajit Singh Randhawa, Nikki Haley's father, was born. He later became a professor.
1964: Immigration to North America
In 1964, Nikki Haley's parents moved to North America when her father accepted a scholarship at the University of British Columbia.
1969: Ajit Randhawa Becomes Professor
In 1969, Ajit Randhawa began his career as a professor at Voorhees College after graduating.
January 20, 1972: Nikki Haley's Birth
On January 20, 1972, Nimarata Nikki Randhawa Haley was born. She would later become governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
1989: Graduation from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools
In 1989, Nikki Haley graduated from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools.
1993: Expansion of Family Business
In 1993, the family business expanded to include menswear with "The Gentlemen's Quarters".
1994: Graduation from Clemson University
In 1994, Nikki Haley graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. degree in accounting and finance.
September 7, 1996: Nikki Haley Marries Michael Haley
On September 7, 1996, Nikki Haley married Michael Haley in ceremonies that combined Sikh and Methodist traditions.
1996: Haley Converts to Christianity
In 1996, Nikki Haley converted to Christianity and was baptized before her wedding at St. Andrew's by the Sea United Methodist Church, partly due to the language barrier with Sikh prayers, while still maintaining connection with Sikhism.
1996: Marriage to Michael Haley
In 1996, Nikki Haley married Michael Haley, after which she became active in civic affairs.
1998: Appointment to Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce Board
In 1998, Nikki Haley was named to the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, marking her entry into civic leadership.
1998: Rena Haley Born
In 1998, Nikki and Michael Haley's first child, Rena, was born.
2001: Nalin Haley Born
In 2001, Nikki and Michael Haley's second child, Nalin, was born.
2003: Appointment to Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board
In 2003, Nikki Haley was named to the board of directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.
2004: President of the National Association of Women Business Owners
In 2004, Nikki Haley became the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
2004: Campaign for South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2004, Nikki Haley ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives, initiating her political career.
2005: Freshman Caucus Chair
In 2005, Nikki Haley served on the Freshman Caucus as chair.
2005: Election as Chair and Majority Whip
In 2005, Nikki Haley was elected chair of the freshman caucus and majority whip in the South Carolina General Assembly.
2005: "Taxpayer Hero" Award
In 2005, Nikki Haley was named a "Taxpayer Hero" by Governor Mark Sanford.
2006: Chair for Friends of Scouting Leadership Division Campaign
In 2006, Nikki Haley chaired the Friends of Scouting Leadership Division campaign, showcasing her community involvement.
2006: Re-election to South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2006, Nikki Haley was unopposed for re-election to a second term in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
2007: Women's Caucus Vice Chair
In 2007, Nikki Haley served as the vice chair of the Women's Caucus.
2008: Re-election to South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2008, Nikki Haley won re-election to the South Carolina House of Representatives with 83 percent of the vote.
2008: Raj Randhawa's Retirement
In 2008, Raj Randhawa, Nikki Haley's mother, retired and closed the family's boutiques.
May 14, 2009: Announcement of Gubernatorial Candidacy
On May 14, 2009, Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina in the 2010 election.
2009: Co-sponsorship of Abortion Bill
In 2009, Nikki Haley co-sponsored a bill mandating a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions after an ultrasound.
2009: Haley Supports Boeing Incentive Package
In 2009, Nikki Haley supported an economic development package valued at up to $900 million to incentivize Boeing to relocate the 787 Dreamliner production facility to North Charleston.
2009: "Friend of the Taxpayer" Award
In 2009, Nikki Haley was named a "Friend of the Taxpayer" by the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers.
June 8, 2010: Republican Gubernatorial Primary
On June 8, 2010, Nikki Haley received 49% of the vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary, forcing a runoff election.
November 2, 2010: Election as Governor of South Carolina
On November 2, 2010, Nikki Haley was elected governor of South Carolina, defeating Vincent Sheheen.
2010: Campaign for Governor
In 2010, Nikki Haley failing to report donor addresses during her campaign for governor.
2010: Election as Governor of South Carolina
In 2010, Nikki Haley was elected governor of South Carolina, making her the state's first female governor and the second U.S. governor of Indian descent.
2010: Haley Inducted into Order of the Palmetto
In 2010, Nikki Haley was inducted into the Order of the Palmetto.
2010: Republican Nomination for governor of South Carolina
In 2010, Nikki Haley was the Republican Nomination for governor of South Carolina after running in the 2010 election.
2010: Gubernatorial Race
In 2010, Vincent Sheheen of the Democratic Party ran against Haley.
2010: Passage of Abortion Bill
In 2010, the bill co-sponsored by Nikki Haley, mandating a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law.
January 2011: Inauguration as Governor
In January 2011, Nikki Haley took office as governor of South Carolina.
June 2011: Signing of Immigration Law
In June 2011, Nikki Haley signed an "Arizona-style" immigration law as governor of South Carolina.
2011: Governorship of South Carolina
In 2011, Nikki Haley became the 116th governor of South Carolina, marking a milestone in her political career.
2011: Start of Haley's gubernatorial term
In 2011, Nikki Haley began her term as governor, during which she vetoed 50 bills, with 24 of them being overridden by the state legislature.
December 17, 2012: Appointment of Tim Scott
On December 17, 2012, Nikki Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate, making him the first African American U.S. senator from South Carolina.
2012: Haley Appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate
In 2012, Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate.
2012: Consideration for Vice Presidential Running Mate
In 2012, Mitt Romney considered Nikki Haley as his vice-presidential running mate; however, Haley declined any potential offer.
2012: Inspiration from Hillary Clinton
In 2012, Nikki Haley credited Hillary Clinton with inspiring her to run for office.
July 2013: Ethics Commission Fine
In July 2013, Nikki Haley was fined $3,500 by the State Ethics Commission and given a "public warning" for failing to report donor addresses during her 2010 campaign.
August 12, 2013: Announcement of Re-election Campaign
On August 12, 2013, Nikki Haley announced her campaign to seek a second term as governor.
August 2013: Extradition Order
In August 2013, Nikki Haley signed an extradition order for Dusten Brown in the Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl case.
2013: Haley Receives Honorary Black Belt in Taekwondo
In 2013, Nikki Haley received an honorary 4th-dan black belt in Taekwondo.
2013: Haley's Husband Serves Tour of Duty in Afghanistan
In 2013, Nikki Haley's husband, Michael Haley, served a tour of duty in Afghanistan as an officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
November 4, 2014: Re-election as Governor of South Carolina
On November 4, 2014, Nikki Haley was re-elected as governor of South Carolina, defeating Vincent Sheheen.
2014: Haley Visits Harmandir Sahib in India
In 2014, Nikki Haley and her husband visited and prayed at the Harmandir Sahib in India.
June 2015: Confederate Flag Controversy
Before June 2015, Nikki Haley supported flying the Confederate flag on the statehouse grounds, but later called for its removal following the Charleston church shooting.
July 2015: Haley signs bill to remove Confederate flag
In July 2015, Nikki Haley signed a bill authorizing the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Capitol grounds.
2015: Haley Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of South Carolina
In 2015, Nikki Haley received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of South Carolina.
2015: Response to Charleston Church Shooting
In 2015, as governor, Nikki Haley received national attention for leading South Carolina's response to the Charleston church shooting.
January 12, 2016: Republican Response to State of the Union Address
On January 12, 2016, Nikki Haley delivered the official Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address.
January 2016: Potential Vice Presidential Candidate
In January 2016, Nikki Haley was mentioned as a potential candidate for vice presidency in the 2016 presidential election.
April 2016: Haley opposes anti-transgender "bathroom bill"
In April 2016, Nikki Haley opposed an anti-transgender "bathroom bill" in South Carolina, deeming it unnecessary and unlikely to solve any state problems.
May 4, 2016: Rejection of Vice Presidential Nomination
On May 4, 2016, Nikki Haley stated she had no interest in the vice presidential nomination after Trump became the presumptive presidential nominee.
June 2016: Haley Warns Trump's Rhetoric Could Lead to Violence
In June 2016, on the one-year anniversary of the Emanuel AME Church shooting, Nikki Haley warned that Trump's rhetoric could lead to violent tragedy. She received extensive press coverage for saying "bless your heart" in response to an attack by Trump.
October 2016: Haley Endorses Trump for President
In October 2016, Nikki Haley said she would vote for Trump and endorsed him as the best person based on policies, despite acknowledging she was "not a fan" of his.
November 23, 2016: Trump nominates Haley for UN Ambassador
On November 23, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Nikki Haley as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
2016: Haley Supports Marco Rubio in Republican Primaries
During the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Nikki Haley supported and campaigned for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and later supported Ted Cruz after Rubio dropped out.
2016: Endorsement of Primary Opponent
In 2016, Nikki Haley endorsed Hugh Leatherman's primary opponent during her second term.
2016: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Nikki Haley was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2016: Re-signing Abortion Ban
In 2016, as governor, Nikki Haley re-signed a new state law that bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
2016: Trump Nominates Haley as U.N. Ambassador
In January 2017, after being elected president of the United States in 2016, Donald Trump nominated Nikki Haley to the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 2017: Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
In January 2017, Nikki Haley became the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration.
January 2017: Trump Nominates Haley as U.N. Ambassador
In January 2017, after being elected president of the United States in 2016, Donald Trump nominated Nikki Haley to the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 20, 2017: Haley's nomination sent to Senate
On January 20, 2017, after taking office, President Trump sent Nikki Haley's nomination for UN Ambassador to the United States Senate.
January 24, 2017: Resignation as Governor
On January 24, 2017, Nikki Haley resigned as governor of South Carolina to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 25, 2017: Haley sworn in as UN Ambassador
On January 25, 2017, Nikki Haley was officially sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by Vice President Mike Pence.
January 27, 2017: Haley meets with UN Secretary-General
On January 27, 2017, Nikki Haley met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York City, succeeding Ambassador Samantha Power.
March 15, 2017: Haley says she wouldn't support a Muslim ban
On March 15, 2017, Nikki Haley stated that she would not support a ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S., should President Trump choose to enact one, arguing it would be "un-American."
March 30, 2017: Haley states US will no longer focus on Assad leaving power
On March 30, 2017, Nikki Haley stated that the U.S. would no longer focus on forcing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to leave power, marking a policy shift from the Obama administration.
April 2017: Haley speaks out against persecution of gay men in Chechnya
In April 2017, Nikki Haley spoke out against Ramzan Kadyrov amid the murders and persecution of gay men in Chechnya, emphasizing that such human rights violations could not be ignored.
April 2017: Haley accuses Iran and Hezbollah of terrorist acts
In April 2017, during her first session as president of the UN Security Council, Nikki Haley accused Iran and Hezbollah of having "conducted terrorist acts" for decades within the Middle East.
May 14, 2017: Haley comments on North Korea's missile test
On May 14, 2017, after North Korea performed a ballistic missile test, Nikki Haley said that Kim Jong-un was "in a state of paranoia" after feeling pressure from the U.S.
June 2, 2017: Haley comments on UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea
On June 2, 2017, after the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution adding fifteen North Koreans and four entities linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs to a sanctions blacklist, Nikki Haley said the council's vote was "sending a clear message to North Korea today: Stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences"
June 2017: Haley violates the Hatch Act
In June 2017, Nikki Haley violated the Hatch Act by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.
July 5, 2017: Haley announces US resolution regarding North Korea
On July 5, 2017, during a U.N. Security Council meeting, Nikki Haley announced the US would within days "bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's new escalation" after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.
July 2017: Haley responds to UNESCO vote on Hebron
In July 2017, after UNESCO voted to designate Hebron's Old City and the Cave of the Patriarchs as Palestinian territory, Nikki Haley called the decision "tragic on several levels."
September 2017: Haley expresses concern over Rohingya atrocities in Myanmar
In September 2017, Nikki Haley said that her government was "deeply troubled" by reports of atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
October 2017: US votes against UN resolution condemning death penalty
In October 2017, the U.S., along with 13 other nations, voted against a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution that condemned the use of capital punishment when "applied arbitrarily or in a discriminatory manner".
October 2017: Haley reprimanded for Hatch Act violation
In October 2017, the federal Office of Special Counsel determined that Nikki Haley had violated the federal Hatch Act in June 2017 by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.
December 2017: Haley comments on Trump's accusers
In December 2017, Nikki Haley stated that the women who had accused President Trump of touching or groping them without their consent "should be heard, and should be dealt with".
December 2017: Haley warns UN members on Jerusalem vote
In December 2017, Nikki Haley warned UN members that she would be "taking names" of countries that voted to reject Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. embassy there.
2017: Boeing Board Member Earnings
As of 2017, Boeing board members earn at least $315,000 a year.
2017: End of Haley's gubernatorial term
In 2017, Nikki Haley's term as governor ended, a term in which she vetoed 50 bills, with 24 of them being overridden by the state legislature.
2017: Haley Meets with Caitlyn Jenner at UN
In 2017, while serving as US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley met with Caitlyn Jenner to discuss "global LGBT issues".
June 19, 2018: US pulls out of UN Human Rights Council
On June 19, 2018, Nikki Haley and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. was pulling out of the United Nations Human Rights Council, citing its "hypocritical and self-serving" nature and "chronic anti-Israel bias."
October 9, 2018: Haley Resigns as U.N. Ambassador
On October 9, 2018, Nikki Haley resigned from her position as U.N. ambassador, effective December 31, 2018. Trump praised her and suggested she might rejoin the administration later. Haley stated that she was stepping aside to allow someone else to do the job.
October 2018: Haley Raises Issue of Uyghur Muslim Minority Re-Education Camps
In October 2018, Nikki Haley brought up the issue of China's re-education camps and human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority, stating that at least a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been imprisoned and subjected to torture and forced renunciation of their religion.
December 2018: Haley Remains Supportive of Trump After Resignation
After resigning as UN ambassador in December 2018, Nikki Haley remained supportive of the Trump administration and called Trump a "friend." She expressed pride in the administration's successes and defended working with Trump.
December 2018: Departure from the U.N. Ambassadorship
In December 2018, Nikki Haley concluded her tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, ending her service in the Trump administration.
2018: Haley Receives Honorary Doctorate from Clemson University
In 2018, Nikki Haley received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Clemson University.
2018: Ethics Accusations Arise After Haley's Resignation
In 2018, after Haley's resignation as U.N. ambassador was announced, CREW accused her of accepting luxury private plane trips as gifts, which she listed on a financial disclosure, claiming they were not ethics violations. Other theories include her college-age children, family finances, and intention to take a break, which Haley conveyed to Trump six months before she resigned.
2018: Defense of Trump adminstration's withdrawal of the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal
In 2018, as U.S. ambassador, a defining aspect of Nikki Haley's tenure included her defense of the Trump administration's withdrawal of the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal.
December 31, 2018: Resignation as U.N. Ambassador
On December 31, 2018, Nikki Haley stepped down from her position as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
February 2019: Haley Nominated to Boeing's Board of Directors
In February 2019, Nikki Haley was nominated to the board of directors of Boeing.
March 2019: Haley Critiques Bernie Sanders' Healthcare Comparison
In March 2019, Nikki Haley criticized Senator Bernie Sanders for comparing healthcare costs in Finland and the U.S., arguing that comparing the U.S. to Finland is ridiculous.
April 2019: Haley Elected to Boeing's Board of Directors
In April 2019, Nikki Haley was elected to the board of directors of Boeing at the annual shareholder meeting.
August 2019: Trump Denies Rumors of Replacing Pence with Haley
In August 2019, Trump denied rumors that he had sought to replace Vice President Mike Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
November 2019: Haley Criticizes Trump's First Impeachment
In November 2019, Nikki Haley criticized Trump's first impeachment, comparing it to a "death penalty" and questioning the grounds for impeachment.
December 2019: Haley defends South Carolina residents regarding Confederate flag views
In December 2019, Nikki Haley defended South Carolina residents who viewed the Confederate flag as a symbol of "service and sacrifice and heritage" before it was "hijacked" by Dylann Roof.
2019: Haley Creates Stand for America Advocacy Group
In 2019, Nikki Haley created a new advocacy group called Stand for America. The group raised $71 million in 2019 from several billionaires and well-known Republican Party mega-donors.
2019: Haley's Estimated Net Worth at $1 Million
In 2019, Nikki Haley had an estimated net worth of $1 million.
January 2020: Haley Supports Killing of Qasem Soleimani
In January 2020, Nikki Haley supported Trump's killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and falsely claimed that Democrats were mourning his loss.
March 2020: Haley Criticizes Initial Pandemic Relief Act
In March 2020, Nikki Haley criticized the initial pandemic relief act that was enacted by Republicans and signed by then president Trump.
March 2020: Haley Resigns from Boeing's Board of Directors
In March 2020, Nikki Haley resigned from Boeing's board of directors, citing her disagreement with the company's decision to request federal bailout funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Trump Denies Rumors of Replacing Pence with Haley
In August 2019, Trump denied rumors that he had sought to replace Vice President Mike Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
January 8, 2021: Haley Condemns Twitter's Suspension of Trump
On January 8, 2021, Nikki Haley condemned Twitter's decision to suspend Trump from its platform after the Capitol riots, comparing the suspension to Chinese censorship.
January 12, 2021: Haley Acknowledges Trump's Disappointment
On January 12, 2021, Nikki Haley said, "We need to acknowledge he let us down. He went down a path he shouldn't have, and we shouldn't have followed him, and we shouldn't have listened to him. And we can't let that ever happen again."
February 2021: Trump Reportedly Declined a Meeting with Haley
According to Politico in February 2021, Nikki Haley reached out to Trump to request a meeting at Mar-a-Lago. Trump reportedly declined the request.
February 2021: Haley Describes Relationship with Trump as Loose
In February 2021, when asked whether Trump was a friend, Nikki Haley replied, "Friend is a loose term." She has been critical of Trump's role during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, saying that she was angry that Trump took no action to protect Vice President Pence.
February 2021: Haley Defends Trump's Policies in Wall Street Journal Op-Ed
In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal in February 2021, Nikki Haley defended the bulk of the Trump record and his determination to shake up the corrupt status quo in Washington, while acknowledging some actions were wrong.
October 2021: Haley Selected for Clemson University Board of Trustees
In October 2021, Nikki Haley was selected to replace David Wilkins for a lifetime position on the Clemson University Board of Trustees.
2021: Haley's Reaction to the Capitol Storming and Trump's Second Impeachment
In 2021, Haley called Trump's actions around the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol "not his finest," but opposed Trump's second impeachment, criticizing Democrats and journalists.
2021: Haley Criticizes Democratic Pandemic Relief Act
In 2021, Nikki Haley criticized the pandemic relief act enacted by Democrats.
2021: Haley Defends Meeting with Caitlyn Jenner
In 2021, Nikki Haley responded to social media mockery of her meeting with Caitlyn Jenner at the UN, stating that she appreciated Jenner's conservative views and rebuking actor Dean Cain for laughing at the post.
2021: Haley speaks against Executive Order 13988
In 2021, Nikki Haley spoke against Executive Order 13988, which was related to preventing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
2021: Haley Creates PAC for Midterm Elections
In early 2021, Nikki Haley created a PAC to endorse and support candidates in the 2022 midterm elections and hired Betsy Ankney as the executive director.
July 2022: Haley Hints at 2024 Presidential Run
In July 2022, Nikki Haley hinted at a potential run for the 2024 United States presidential election during her speech at the Christians United for Israel summit, asserting her readiness to "shred" any potential Iran nuclear deal on her first day in office.
2022: Haley's Net Worth Grows to $8 Million
By 2022, Nikki Haley's net worth had grown to an estimated $8 million, boosted by book sales and corporate board memberships with Boeing and United Homes Group.
2022: Haley's PAC and the 2022 Midterm Elections
In early 2021, Nikki Haley created a PAC to endorse and support candidates in the 2022 midterm elections and hired Betsy Ankney as the executive director.
February 14, 2023: Haley Announces Candidacy for 2024 Republican Nomination
On February 14, 2023, Nikki Haley formally announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the second major candidate to enter the race after Trump.
February 2023: Announcement of Presidential Campaign
In February 2023, Nikki Haley announced her campaign for President of the United States.
February 2023: Haley Supports Congressional Term Limits and Mental Competence Tests for Politicians Over 75
In February 2023, Nikki Haley announced her support for congressional term limits and "mandatory mental competence tests for politicians over 75 years old", a proposal which received mixed reactions from U.S. senators.
February 2023: Haley Vows to Cut Foreign Aid to "Enemies" of the US
In February 2023, Nikki Haley pledged to "cut every cent in foreign aid for countries" deemed "enemies" of the United States in an op-ed published by the New York Post.
February 2023: Haley Calls for Extension of Florida Parental Rights in Education Act
In February 2023, Nikki Haley suggested extending Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act, which restricts classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity, from third grade through seventh grade, and requiring parental consent for any discussions about sex and sexuality.
February 2023: Haley Supports 15-Week Abortion Ban Proposal
In February 2023, Nikki Haley voiced her support for Senator Lindsey Graham's proposal for a national 15-week abortion ban, which included exceptions for rape, incest, and the life and health of the mother, believing it could achieve a "national consensus".
April 2023: Florida Extends Parental Rights in Education Act
In April 2023, Florida extended the Parental Rights in Education Act through the 12th grade.
May 2023: Haley Pledges to Sign Federal Abortion Ban
In May 2023, Nikki Haley promised to sign a federal abortion ban if elected, without specifying the duration of the ban.
June 2023: Haley Attacks Trump and DeSantis on Ukraine Positions
In June 2023, Nikki Haley criticized Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis for their stances on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while also stating that President Biden had not done enough, without specifying her own alternative approach.
August 2023: Haley Addresses Trump's Indictments and Potential Nomination
During a debate in August 2023, Nikki Haley stated she would support Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, even if he was convicted of crimes, while also expressing concerns about his indictments for keeping classified documents.
August 2023: Haley Refuses to Directly State Position on Federal Abortion Ban
During an August 2023 primary debate, Nikki Haley declined to directly state whether she supports a federal abortion ban, while affirming her support for promoting access to contraception.
September 2023: Haley Comments on Supporting Republican Nominee
In a September 2023 appearance on Face the Nation, Nikki Haley said that she would "always" support the Republican presidential nominee but added that Americans "are not going to vote for a convicted criminal."
November 2023: Haley Receives Endorsement from Americans for Prosperity Action
In November 2023, Nikki Haley received the endorsement of Americans for Prosperity Action, an organization connected to the Koch network, solidifying her position in the race.
December 2023: Haley Calls for Elimination of Hamas and Tougher Approach to Iran
In December 2023, Nikki Haley rejected calls for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, advocating for the elimination of Hamas and a tougher stance on Iran, suggesting that Palestinian refugees from Gaza should be accepted by countries sympathetic to Hamas.
December 27, 2023: Haley Addresses the Origins of the American Civil War
On December 27, 2023, at a town hall in Berlin, New Hampshire, Nikki Haley stated that the cause of the Civil War was "basically how government was going to run" and "the freedoms and what people could and couldn't do," omitting the role of slavery.
2023: Trump and DeSantis Campaigns Criticize Haley
In 2023, Donald Trump nicknamed Nikki Haley "birdbrain" and criticized her for opposing his presidential nomination bid, while DeSantis's campaign labeled her an establishment candidate and a liberal darling after she received a donation from a Democratic donor.
January 15, 2024: Haley Finishes Third in Iowa Caucuses
On January 15, 2024, Nikki Haley finished in third place in the Iowa caucuses with 19% of the vote, behind Trump with 51% and DeSantis with 21%.
January 2024: Haley Polls Within Single Digits of Trump in New Hampshire
In early January 2024, CNN reported that Nikki Haley had polled within single digits of Trump (at 32%, to Trump's 39%) in New Hampshire.
January 16, 2024: Haley States 'The US has never been a racist country.'
On January 16, 2024, Nikki Haley stated, "The US has never been a racist country."
February 24, 2024: Haley Loses South Carolina Primary
On February 24, 2024, Nikki Haley lost the primary in her home state of South Carolina 59.8% - 39.5%.
March 2, 2024: Haley Wins District of Columbia Republican Primary
On March 2, 2024, Nikki Haley won her first primary, taking the District of Columbia Republican primary with 62% of the vote.
March 6, 2024: Suspension of Presidential Campaign
On March 6, 2024, Nikki Haley suspended her campaign for President of the United States after Super Tuesday.
March 2024: Haley Hints at Not Endorsing Trump
In March 2024, Haley hinted that she may not endorse Trump and asserted that she may no longer be bound by her pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee.
April 15, 2024: Haley Joins Hudson Institute as Walter P. Stern Chair
On April 15, 2024, it was announced that Nikki Haley would join the Hudson Institute, a conservative think-tank, as the next Walter P. Stern Chair, expressing her enthusiasm for defending American principles through the group's work.
May 22, 2024: Haley Announces She Will Vote for Trump
On May 22, 2024, Nikki Haley stated that she would vote for Donald Trump.
August 2024: Haley Visits Taiwan and Advocates for its Membership in International Organizations
In August 2024, Nikki Haley visited Taiwan, advocating for its full membership in the United Nations and World Health Organization. She drew parallels between the treatment of Taiwan by China and Russian aggression in Ukraine.
September 2024: Haley Joins Edelman as Vice Chair
In September 2024, Nikki Haley joined Edelman, a global communications firm, as vice chair of its international public affairs team.
2024: Haley Receives Votes in Primaries and Endorses Trump
Despite suspending her campaign, Nikki Haley still received up to 20% of votes in Republican primaries beyond February. Then, in 2024, Trump confirmed that Haley was not under consideration to be his running mate, and Haley later stated she would vote for Trump in the general election.
2024: Haley's Role in Boeing Initiative
Following the 2024 grounding of the Boeing 737 Max-9, the Lever reported that Haley, while at Boeing, helped kill an initiative that would have forced the company to "more comprehensively disclose its spending to influence politicians and safety regulators."
2024: Death of Ajit Singh Randhawa
In 2024, Ajit Singh Randhawa, Nikki Haley's father, passed away.
2024: Republican Party Presidential Primaries
In 2024, Nikki Haley was a candidate in the Republican Party presidential primaries.
2024: Haley Hints at 2024 Presidential Run
In July 2022, Nikki Haley hinted at a potential run for the 2024 United States presidential election during her speech at the Christians United for Israel summit, asserting her readiness to "shred" any potential Iran nuclear deal on her first day in office.
2024: Haley Receives Write-In Votes in Vermont Election
In the 2024 election, Nikki Haley received 458 write-in votes in the state of Vermont.
2024: Haley Announces Candidacy for 2024 Republican Nomination
On February 14, 2023, Nikki Haley formally announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the second major candidate to enter the race after Trump.
