Nikki Haley is an American politician and diplomat who served as the 116th Governor of South Carolina and the 29th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. As a Republican, she was the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Haley was a candidate in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, making history as the first woman to win a Republican presidential primary with her victory in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 2024.
1969: Relocation to South Carolina
After receiving his PhD, Nikki Haley's father moved his family to South Carolina in 1969 to work as a professor at Voorhees College.
January 20, 1972: Birth of Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley was born on January 20, 1972.
May 1976: Opening of Exotica International
Nikki Haley's mother, Raj, opened a women's clothing boutique called Exotica International in West Columbia in May 1976.
1989: Graduation from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools
Nikki Haley graduated from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools in 1989.
1993: Establishment of The Gentlemen's Quarters
The Randhawas opened The Gentlemen's Quarters, a men's clothing store, in 1993.
1994: Graduation from Clemson University
Nikki Haley graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. degree in accounting and finance in 1994.
September 7, 1996: Marriage to Michael Haley
Nikki Haley married Michael Haley on September 7, 1996, in a ceremony that honored both Sikh and Methodist traditions.
1996: Marriage to Michael Haley and Involvement in Civic Affairs
After marrying Michael Haley in 1996, Nikki Haley became actively involved in civic affairs.
1997: Conversion to Christianity
Haley converted to Christianity in 1997.
1998: Birth of Daughter, Rena
Nikki Haley and Michael Haley welcomed their daughter, Rena, in 1998.
1998: Appointment to the Board of Directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce
Nikki Haley was appointed to the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce in 1998.
1998: Retirement of Ajit Randhawa
Nikki Haley's father, Ajit, retired from his teaching position in 1998.
2001: Birth of Son, Nalin
Nikki Haley and Michael Haley's son, Nalin, was born in 2001.
2003: Involvement with Lexington Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Women Business Owners
In 2003, Nikki Haley was appointed to the board of directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and became the treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
2003: Colin Powell's Presentation Before the Iraq War
In 2003, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell gave a presentation to the United Nations Security Council making the case for the Iraq War.
2004: Election to the South Carolina House of Representatives
Nikki Haley was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2004.
2004: Campaign for South Carolina House of Representatives
Nikki Haley launched her campaign for the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2004, focusing on education reform and property tax relief.
2004: Presidency of the National Association of Women Business Owners
Nikki Haley became the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2004.
2005: Haley's Early Political Career
In 2005, Nikki Haley began her political career as a state legislator, serving on various committees like Labor, Commerce and Industry, and Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
2005: Appointment as Freshman Caucus 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: Recognition as "Taxpayer Hero"
Nikki Haley was named a "Taxpayer Hero" by Governor Mark Sanford in 2005 for her efforts in lowering taxes.
2006: Leadership in Community Organizations
In 2006, Nikki Haley actively participated in various community organizations, including serving as chair for the Friends of Scouting Leadership Division campaign.
2006: Unopposed Re-Election to the South Carolina House of Representatives
Nikki Haley was re-elected for a second term in the South Carolina House of Representatives unopposed in 2006.
2007: Continued Legislative Service
In 2007, Haley continued her service as a state legislator, holding positions in caucuses like the Women's Caucus and the Sportsman's Caucus.
2008: Re-Election to the South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2008, Nikki Haley won re-election to the South Carolina House of Representatives with 83% of the vote.
2008: Closure of Family Businesses
The Randhawas closed their clothing stores, Exotica International and The Gentlemen's Quarters, in 2008 upon Raj's retirement.
May 14, 2009: Haley Announces Candidacy for Governor
On May 14, 2009, Nikki Haley announced her run for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina in the 2010 election, with endorsements from figures like Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin.
2009: Co-Sponsorship of 24-Hour Waiting Period Bill for Abortions
In 2009, Nikki Haley co-sponsored a bill that would mandate a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions after an ultrasound.
2009: Haley Supports Boeing Relocation
In 2009, Nikki Haley supported a significant economic development package aimed at incentivizing Boeing to relocate its 787 Dreamliner production facility to North Charleston, South Carolina. This support, valued at up to $900 million, reflected her commitment to attracting Boeing to the state.
2009: Recognition as "Friend of the Taxpayer"
The South Carolina Association of Taxpayers named Nikki Haley a "Friend of the Taxpayer" in 2009.
June 8, 2010: Republican Gubernatorial Primary and Runoff
On June 8, 2010, the Republican gubernatorial primary took place, leading to a runoff election on June 22nd. Haley's campaign benefited from endorsements from groups like the Tea Party and notable individuals.
November 2, 2010: Haley Elected Governor of South Carolina
On November 2, 2010, Nikki Haley was elected as the Governor of South Carolina, marking a significant milestone as one of the few non-white governors in a Southern state.
2010: Previous Election Challenges and Outcomes
In 2010, Haley successfully navigated challenges during her gubernatorial campaign, ultimately securing victory and becoming governor.
2010: Induction into the Order of the Palmetto
Haley was inducted into the Order of the Palmetto in 2010.
2010: Campaign Finance Issues
During her 2010 gubernatorial campaign, Nikki Haley faced scrutiny regarding campaign finance reporting, leading to an ethics investigation and subsequent penalties.
2010: Election as the First Female Governor of South Carolina
In 2010, Nikki Haley was elected as the first female governor of South Carolina.
2010: Passage and Enactment of the 24-Hour Waiting Period Bill
The bill mandating a 24-hour waiting period for abortions passed both legislative chambers in 2010 and was signed into law by Governor Sanford.
2010: Haley Runs for Governor of South Carolina
Nikki Haley ran for Governor of South Carolina in 2010, receiving endorsements from prominent figures and engaging in a competitive race.
January 2011: Haley Takes Office as Governor
Nikki Haley assumed her role as Governor of South Carolina in January 2011, embarking on her first term in office.
June 2011: Haley Signs Immigration Law
In June 2011, Nikki Haley signed an immigration law drawing comparisons to Arizona's approach. However, the law faced legal challenges with federal courts blocking several provisions deeming them unconstitutional.
2011: Haley's Gubernatorial Vetoes and Legislative Overrides
During Nikki Haley's time as governor from 2011 to 2017, she vetoed a total of 50 bills, with the state legislature overriding nearly half of them.
2011: Elected as Governor of South Carolina
Nikki Haley was elected as the 116th governor of South Carolina in 2011.
December 17, 2012: Haley Appoints Tim Scott to Senate
On December 17, 2012, Nikki Haley made the decision to appoint Tim Scott to fill the vacant Senate seat left by Jim DeMint, marking a significant moment as Scott became the first African American U.S. senator from South Carolina.
2012: Haley Appoints Tim Scott to U.S. Senate
In 2012, Nikki Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate. Scott later endorsed Donald Trump for president in January 2024.
2012: Considered for Vice Presidential Role
In 2012, Haley was considered as a potential running mate by Mitt Romney for his vice-presidential campaign, though she indicated she would decline the offer.
2012: Acknowledgement of Hillary Clinton as Inspiration
In 2012, Nikki Haley acknowledged Hillary Clinton as an inspiration for her political career.
July 2013: Haley Fined for Campaign Finance Violation
In July 2013, Nikki Haley faced a fine from the State Ethics Commission and a public warning for failing to disclose the addresses of eight donors during her 2010 campaign for governor.
August 12, 2013: Haley Seeks Re-election
On August 12, 2013, Nikki Haley announced her intention to seek a second term as governor, facing challenges within the Republican primary and from Democratic candidate Vincent Sheheen.
August 2013: Haley Signs Extradition Order in Adoption Case
In August 2013, Nikki Haley signed an extradition order related to the high-profile Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl case, involving the custody of a child and interstate legal proceedings.
2013: Honorary 4th-dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
Haley was granted an honorary 4th-dan black belt in Taekwondo in 2013.
2013: Husband's Tour of Duty in Afghanistan
Haley's husband, an officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard, served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2013.
November 4, 2014: Haley Re-elected as Governor
On November 4, 2014, Nikki Haley was re-elected for a second term as Governor of South Carolina, solidifying her position in state politics.
2014: Visit to the Harmandir Sahib
In 2014, Haley and her husband visited the Harmandir Sahib during a trip to India.
June 2015: Haley Shifts Stance on Confederate Flag
Prior to June 2015, Nikki Haley supported the flying of the Confederate flag at the statehouse grounds. However, following the Charleston church shooting, she changed her position and called for its removal.
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: Leadership During the Charleston Church Shooting
Nikki Haley received national recognition for her leadership in response to the Charleston church shooting in 2015.
2015: Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of South Carolina
In 2015, Haley was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of South Carolina.
January 12, 2016: Haley Delivers Republican Response to State of the Union
On January 12, 2016, Nikki Haley was chosen to present the official Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address.
January 2016: Consideration for Vice Presidency
In January 2016, there were discussions about Nikki Haley being a potential vice presidential candidate for the upcoming election.
April 2016: Haley Opposes Anti-Trans "Bathroom Bill"
In April 2016, Nikki Haley took a stand against the proposed anti-transgender "bathroom bill" in South Carolina, arguing it was unnecessary and wouldn't address any existing issues within the state.
May 4, 2016: Haley Declines Vice Presidential Consideration
On May 4, 2016, with Donald Trump emerging as the presumptive presidential nominee, Nikki Haley expressed her lack of interest in being considered for the vice presidential nomination.
June 2016: Haley Warns About Trump's Rhetoric
In June 2016, on the anniversary of the Emanuel AME Church shooting, Nikki Haley cautioned that Donald Trump's rhetoric could incite violence. Her "bless your heart" response to one of Trump's attacks gained significant media attention.
October 2016: Haley Endorses Trump for President
In October 2016, Nikki Haley, despite not being a "fan" of Donald Trump, declared her intention to vote for him, endorsing him as the best candidate based on policy considerations, including the handling of Obamacare.
November 23, 2016: Trump Nominates Haley for UN Ambassador
On November 23, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Nikki Haley for the position of ambassador to the United Nations.
2016: Haley Recognized as Influential Figure
In 2016, Time magazine acknowledged Nikki Haley's influence by including her in their list of the 100 most influential people globally.
2016: Haley Acknowledges Election Outcome
In December 2017, reflecting on the 2016 election, Nikki Haley acknowledged Trump's victory while emphasizing the importance of women feeling empowered to voice their experiences of mistreatment.
2016: Haley Supports Rubio, then Cruz in 2016 Primaries
During the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Nikki Haley initially supported and campaigned for Marco Rubio. After Rubio withdrew, she endorsed Ted Cruz.
2016: Haley Feuds with Lawmakers
During her second term, Haley engaged in political conflicts with veteran lawmakers, including endorsing the opponent of a powerful Senate finance chairman.
2016: Trump Elected President
Donald Trump was elected President of the United States in 2016, a pivotal event that later influenced Nikki Haley's career trajectory.
2016: Signing of a New State Law Banning Abortions at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
As governor in 2016, Nikki Haley signed a new state law that bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
January 2017: Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Nikki Haley resigned as governor of South Carolina to become the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on January 2017 under the Trump Administration.
January 2017: Haley Becomes UN Ambassador
After Donald Trump's election victory in 2016, he nominated Nikki Haley for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Following Senate confirmation, she was sworn in on January 25, 2017.
January 20, 2017: Trump Formally Nominates Haley for UN Ambassador
On January 20, 2017, President Trump officially submitted Nikki Haley's nomination for the UN ambassadorship to the United States Senate.
January 24, 2017: Haley Resigns as Governor to Become UN Ambassador
On January 24, 2017, Nikki Haley stepped down from her position as Governor of South Carolina to take on the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 25, 2017: Haley Sworn in as UN Ambassador
Nikki Haley was officially sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations by Vice President Mike Pence on January 25, 2017.
January 27, 2017: Haley Meets UN Secretary-General
On January 27, 2017, Nikki Haley, in her new role as UN ambassador, had her first meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
March 15, 2017: Haley's Opposition to a Muslim Immigration Ban
On March 15, 2017, Haley stated her opposition to a Muslim immigration ban, arguing that such a ban would be un-American. While not supporting a ban, she defended President Trump's proposal, suggesting it was a temporary pause for vetting purposes rather than a religious ban.
March 30, 2017: Shift in U.S. Policy on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
On March 30, 2017, Haley announced a shift in U.S. policy, stating that the focus would no longer be on forcing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to leave power. This marked a change from former president Barack Obama's initial stance on Assad.
April 2017: Haley Accuses Iran and Hezbollah of Terrorism
During her first session as president of the UN Security Council in April 2017, Haley accused Iran and Hezbollah of conducting terrorist acts for decades within the Middle East.
April 2017: Haley Speaks Out Against Persecution of Gay Men in Chechnya
In April 2017, Haley condemned the murders and persecution of gay men in Chechnya, part of the Russian Federation, denouncing it as a violation of human rights that could not be ignored.
May 14, 2017: Haley's Response to North Korean Missile Test
On May 14, 2017, following a North Korean ballistic missile test, Haley asserted that Kim Jong-un was "in a state of paranoia" due to pressure from the U.S. and China.
June 2, 2017: Haley's Statement on UN Security Council Sanctions Against North Korea
On June 2, 2017, after the U.N. Security Council approved sanctions against North Korea, Haley stated that the vote sent a clear message to North Korea to cease ballistic missile launches or face consequences.
June 2017: Haley Retweets Trump's Endorsement
In June 2017, Nikki Haley retweeted Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman, a Republican candidate for Congress in South Carolina. This action led to a complaint by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and ultimately resulted in a Hatch Act violation.
July 5, 2017: Haley Announces U.S. Resolution in Response to North Korean Missile Launch
On July 5, 2017, during a UN Security Council meeting, Haley announced that the US would introduce a resolution to increase international response following North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
July 2017: Haley Criticizes UNESCO Decision on Hebron
In July 2017, Haley criticized UNESCO's decision to designate Hebron's Old City and the Cave of the Patriarchs as Palestinian territory and endangered World Heritage Sites, calling the decision "tragic."
September 2017: Haley Condemns Atrocities Against Rohingya Muslims
In September 2017, Nikki Haley expressed deep concern over the reported atrocities targeting Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. She directed criticism towards Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's civilian leader, for defending the imprisonment of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who had exposed the ethnic cleansing and other atrocities committed by the government.
September 2017: Haley Criticizes Countries Shielding Iran from Inspections
In September 2017, Haley accused certain countries, implying Russia, of shielding Iran from International Atomic Energy Agency inspections related to the international nuclear agreement. She asserted that without inspections, the Iran deal was meaningless.
October 2017: US Opposes UN Resolution Condemning Death Penalty
In October 2017, the U.S., under the representation of Nikki Haley at the UN, voted against a resolution condemning the use of capital punishment in a discriminatory manner. This included condemning the death penalty for acts like apostasy, blasphemy, adultery, and consensual same-sex relations. The vote drew criticism from LGBTQ rights advocates within the U.S., but the State Department clarified that the U.S. opposed the resolution due to its blanket condemnation of the death penalty in all circumstances.
October 2017: Haley Reprimanded for Hatch Act Violation
In October 2017, the Office of Special Counsel determined that Nikki Haley had violated the Hatch Act in June 2017 by retweeting Trump's endorsement of a Republican congressional candidate. While she received a reprimand, no further action was taken against her.
December 2017: Haley's Response to UN Resolution on Jerusalem
In December 2017, Haley issued a warning to UN members regarding a resolution rejecting Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the U.S. embassy there. She stated that the U.S. would note countries voting against the decision.
December 2017: Haley Supports Women Accusing Trump
In December 2017, Nikki Haley addressed the accusations of sexual misconduct against President Trump, stating that the women involved had a right to be heard and their claims should be addressed. She believed that any woman who felt violated deserved a platform to speak up.
December 2017: Haley Accuses Iran of Backing Houthi Rebels in Yemen
In December 2017, Haley accused Iran of supporting the Houthi rebels in the Yemeni Civil War, characterizing the fight against Iranian aggression as a global fight. Iran denied these accusations, drawing parallels between Haley's presentation and Colin Powell's before the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2017: Haley Blocks Appointment of Palestinian UN Envoy
In 2017, Haley blocked the appointment of Salam Fayyad, a Palestinian, as UN envoy to Libya, citing the U.S.'s non-recognition of a Palestinian state. However, she also reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2017: Haley's Stance on Sanctions Against Russia
In 2017, Haley declared that sanctions against Russia for its Crimean conflict would remain until Russia returned control over the region to Ukraine. She emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to maintaining "strong and tough" sanctions against Russia due to its actions in Ukraine.
2017: Boeing Board Members' Compensation
By 2017, members of the Boeing Board of Directors earned a minimum of $315,000 annually. This information became relevant with Nikki Haley's election to the board in 2019, highlighting the financial implications of her new role.
2017: Haley's Gubernatorial Vetoes and Legislative Overrides
During Nikki Haley's time as governor from 2011 to 2017, she vetoed a total of 50 bills, with the state legislature overriding nearly half of them.
2017: Meeting with Caitlyn Jenner
During her tenure as US ambassador to the UN, Haley met with Caitlyn Jenner in 2017 to discuss "global LGBT issues."
January 2018: Haley Supports Withholding Aid to Palestinians
In January 2018, Haley supported President Trump's decision to withhold humanitarian aid to Palestinians through the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
June 19, 2018: US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council
On June 19, 2018, Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo announced the U.S.'s withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council. They criticized the council as "hypocritical" and "self-serving," highlighting its perceived bias against Israel. Haley condemned the council for treating Israel worse than North Korea, Iran, and Syria, citing five resolutions condemning Israel.
October 9, 2018: Haley Resigns as UN Ambassador
On October 9, 2018, Nikki Haley announced her resignation as U.S. Ambassador to the UN, effective December 31, 2018. While Trump praised Haley, her resignation came amidst controversy surrounding his mocking of Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault. Despite the timing, Haley presented her departure as a selfless act of public service.
October 2018: Haley Raises Concerns about Uyghur Muslims
In October 2018, Nikki Haley addressed the issue of China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims. She highlighted the existence of "re-education camps" in western China where she claimed at least a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities were imprisoned and subjected to torture, forced religious renunciation, and coerced allegiance to the Communist Party.
December 2018: Haley Resigns as UN Ambassador
Upon resigning as UN ambassador in December 2018, Nikki Haley maintained her support for the Trump administration, referring to Trump as a "friend." She expressed pride in the administration's accomplishments and refused to apologize for collaborating with Trump.
December 2018: Resignation as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Nikki Haley stepped down from her role as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in December 2018.
December 31, 2018: Departure from the United Nations
Nikki Haley officially resigned from her position as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on December 31, 2018.
2018: U.S. Embassy Moved to Jerusalem
In 2018, the U.S. moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
2018: Haley Accused of Accepting Luxury Private Plane Trips
In 2018, Nikki Haley faced accusations from the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) for accepting seven luxury private plane trips as gifts from South Carolina business leaders. Haley defended the gifts as ethically sound due to her personal connections with the individuals involved. Alternative theories for her resignation, unrelated to the accusations, focused on her family and her desire for a break from public service.
2018: Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Clemson University
Haley received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Clemson University in 2018.
January 9, 2019: Haley's Gubernatorial Term Set to Expire
Nikki Haley's second term as governor was scheduled to end on January 9, 2019.
February 2019: Haley Nominated to Boeing Board
In February 2019, Nikki Haley was nominated to join the Boeing Board of Directors. This nomination, confirmed in April 2019, sparked controversy due to her past opposition to unionization efforts at a Boeing plant in South Carolina. Her history of supporting Boeing's presence in the state, including substantial financial incentives, fueled this controversy.
March 2019: Haley Criticizes Bernie Sanders' Healthcare Comparison
In March 2019, Nikki Haley criticized Senator Bernie Sanders for comparing healthcare costs in the United States to those in Finland. She argued that while healthcare costs were undeniably high in the U.S., drawing a comparison to Finland was nonsensical and implied that Finland's healthcare system had significant drawbacks.
April 2019: Haley Elected to Boeing Board
In April 2019, Nikki Haley was officially elected to the Boeing Board of Directors following her February nomination. Her position on the board came with substantial financial compensation.
August 2019: Trump Denies Replacing Pence with Haley
In August 2019, President Trump refuted rumors suggesting he intended to replace Vice President Mike Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election. This denial aimed to quell speculation about potential changes to his campaign strategy.
November 2019: Haley Criticizes Trump's First Impeachment
In November 2019, Nikki Haley criticized President Donald Trump's first impeachment, comparing it to "the death penalty" for a public official and questioning the grounds for impeachment.
December 2019: Haley Defends South Carolina Amidst Confederate Flag Controversy
In December 2019, Nikki Haley defended the people of South Carolina, emphasizing that for some, the Confederate flag represented service, sacrifice, and heritage before its association with white supremacy and Dylann Roof's actions.
2019: Estimated Net Worth
In 2019, Haley's estimated net worth was $1 million.
2019: Haley Establishes Stand for America
In 2019, Nikki Haley formed "Stand for America," a 501(c)(4) advocacy group. While the group initially kept its donors confidential, a document later revealed significant funding from prominent Republican donors, including billionaires Paul Singer, Stanley Druckenmiller, Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, and Scott Bessent. Haley's team attempted to prevent the publication of this donor list.
January 2020: Haley Supports Soleimani Killing
Nikki Haley expressed support for the January 2020 killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the Trump administration. In a Fox News appearance and subsequent tweet, she falsely claimed Democrats were mourning Soleimani's death.
March 2020: Haley Resigns from Boeing Board
In March 2020, Nikki Haley resigned from her position on Boeing's Board of Directors, citing her disapproval of the company's decision to seek federal bailout funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resignation underscored her stance against government intervention in private businesses during economic crises.
March 2020: Criticism of the Initial Pandemic Relief Act
Haley criticized the initial pandemic relief act enacted by Republicans and signed by Trump in March 2020.
2020: Trump Seeks Re-election
In 2020, Donald Trump ran for re-election as President of the United States, ultimately losing to Joe Biden. This period was marked by various political maneuvers and campaign strategies, including addressing rumors about potential running mate changes.
January 8, 2021: Haley Condemns Trump's Twitter Suspension
On January 8, 2021, Nikki Haley condemned Twitter's decision to suspend President Donald Trump from its platform following the Capitol riots, comparing the action to Chinese censorship.
January 12, 2021: Haley Acknowledges Trump's Shortcomings
In an interview published in February 2021, Nikki Haley acknowledged that Donald Trump had let the nation down with his actions, urging against repeating similar mistakes. During this time, Trump's second impeachment trial was underway.
February 2021: Haley's Meeting Request Declined by Trump
In February 2021, according to Politico, Nikki Haley sought a meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, but Trump reportedly declined the request.
February 2021: Haley Defends Trump's Record in Op-Ed
In a February 2021 op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Nikki Haley defended most of Donald Trump's policies while acknowledging that some of his post-election actions were wrong. She praised his efforts to challenge the established order in Washington.
February 2021: Haley Expresses Anger at Trump's Inaction During Capitol Riot
When asked in February 2021 if she considered Donald Trump a friend, Nikki Haley responded that "friend is a loose term." She expressed strong disapproval of Trump's inaction during the Capitol riot, particularly his failure to protect Vice President Pence.
October 2021: Haley Appointed to Clemson University Board of Trustees
In October 2021, Nikki Haley was selected to replace David Wilkins in a lifetime position on the Clemson University Board of Trustees.
2021: Criticism of the Pandemic Relief Act Enacted by Democrats
Haley also criticized the pandemic relief act enacted by Democrats in 2021.
2021: Defense of Friendship with a Trans Woman
In 2021, Haley defended her friendship with a trans woman when it was mocked by a far-right commentator on social media, emphasizing her appreciation for the woman's conservative views.
2021: Haley Speaks Out Against Executive Order 13988
In 2021, Nikki Haley publicly opposed Executive Order 13988, which focused on preventing and addressing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
2021: Haley Creates PAC for 2022 Midterm Elections
In early 2021, Nikki Haley established a political action committee (PAC) to endorse and support candidates in the 2022 midterm elections. She appointed Betsy Ankney, former NRSC political director, as executive director.
2021: Haley Criticizes Trump's Actions but Opposes Impeachment
Nikki Haley characterized Donald Trump's conduct during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol as "not his finest" but opposed his second impeachment. She criticized Democrats and journalists during an appearance on Fox News.
2022: Increased Net Worth
By 2022, Haley's net worth had significantly increased to an estimated $8 million, attributed in part to book sales and her membership on the corporate boards of Boeing and United Homes Group.
2022: Haley's PAC Supports Candidates in Midterm Elections
Nikki Haley's PAC, created in 2021, endorsed and supported candidates during the 2022 midterm elections.
February 14, 2023: Haley Announces 2024 Presidential Candidacy
On February 14, 2023, Nikki Haley formally declared her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the second major contender after Donald Trump. Notably, she had previously stated she wouldn't run if Trump sought the nomination.
February 2023: Proposal to Cut Foreign Aid to "Enemies"
In February 2023, Haley advocated for cutting all foreign aid to countries she considered "enemies" of the United States.
February 2023: Support for Term Limits and Mental Competency Tests
In February 2023, Haley expressed support for congressional term limits and "mandatory mental competence tests for politicians over 75 years old," a proposal that generated mixed reactions among U.S. senators.
February 2023: Announcement of Presidential Campaign
In February 2023, Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for President of the United States.
February 2023: Support for a National 15-Week Abortion Ban
In February 2023, Nikki Haley expressed support for a national 15-week abortion ban proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham, arguing that this proposal had potential for "national consensus."
February 2023: Criticism of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Law
In February 2023, Haley criticized Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, which prohibits discussions about sex and sexuality, for not going far enough. She proposed extending the prohibition through seventh grade and requiring parental consent for such discussions.
April 2023: Florida Extends the "Don't Say Gay" Ban
In April 2023, Florida extended the "Don't Say Gay" ban through 12th grade.
May 2023: Pledge to Sign a Federal Abortion Ban
In May 2023, Haley pledged to sign a federal abortion ban, without specifying the duration of the ban.
June 2023: Criticism of Trump and DeSantis on Ukraine
In June 2023, Haley criticized the positions of Trump and DeSantis regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
August 2023: Evasive Stance on Federal Abortion Ban
During a primary debate in August 2023, Haley refused to directly state whether she supported a federal abortion ban.
August 2023: Support for Trump Despite Potential Conviction
During an August 2023 debate, Haley stated that she would support Trump as the Republican nominee even if he were convicted of crimes.
September 2023: Haley Reiterates Support for Republican Nominee, Doubts Trump's Viability
Nikki Haley consistently stated her support for the Republican presidential nominee in 2024, even if it were Donald Trump, despite expressing doubts about his ability to win a general election, especially if convicted of criminal charges.
November 2023: Haley Secures Key Endorsements
Nikki Haley's campaign gained momentum in November 2023 with endorsements from prominent figures, including New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former U.S. Representative Will Hurd. A significant endorsement came from Americans for Prosperity Action, an organization associated with the Koch network.
December 27, 2023: Controversial Remarks on the Civil War
On December 27, 2023, Haley sparked controversy with her response to a question about the origins of the American Civil War, initially failing to mention slavery as a cause.
2023: Criticism from Trump and DeSantis
Throughout 2023, Haley faced criticism from both Trump, who labeled her "birdbrain" for breaking her promise not to oppose him for the presidential nomination, and DeSantis, who criticized her association with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and characterized her as an establishment candidate.
January 2024: Haley Polls Within Single Digits of Trump in New Hampshire
In early January 2024, CNN reported Nikki Haley polling within single digits of Donald Trump in New Hampshire, signaling her potential competitiveness in the state's primary.
January 15, 2024: Haley Finishes Third in Iowa Caucuses
Nikki Haley finished third in the Iowa caucuses on January 15, 2024, with 19% of the vote, trailing Donald Trump (51%) and Ron DeSantis (21%). Notably, she secured one more vote than Trump in Johnson County, indicating pockets of support within the state.
January 16, 2024: Claim that the US is Not Racist
On January 16, 2024, Haley made the controversial statement that the United States "has never been a racist country."
March 2, 2024: District of Columbia Republican Primary Win
On March 2, 2024, Nikki Haley won her first primary in the District of Columbia, securing 62% of the vote.
March 3, 2024: First Woman to Win a Republican Presidential Primary
On March 3, 2024, Nikki Haley made history by becoming the first woman to win a Republican Party presidential primary contest in the Washington, D.C. primary.
March 6, 2024: Suspension of Presidential Campaign
Nikki Haley suspended her campaign for President of the United States on March 6, 2024, after facing defeats in Super Tuesday contests.
March 2024: Haley Hints at Potential Shift in Support for Trump
In March 2024, Nikki Haley suggested a possible change in her stance on endorsing Donald Trump, indicating she may no longer feel obligated to support the eventual Republican nominee.
April 15, 2024: Joins the Hudson Institute
On April 15, 2024, it was announced that Haley would join the conservative think-tank Hudson Institute, where she will serve as the next Walter P. Stern Chair.
2024: Haley's Alleged Role in Blocking Boeing Disclosure Initiative
Following the 2024 grounding of the Boeing 737 Max-9, reports emerged alleging that Nikki Haley had played a part in hindering an initiative during her time on Boeing's board. This initiative aimed to enforce greater transparency regarding the company's spending on political influence and influencing safety regulators.
2024: Potential Presidential Election
The year 2024 marks the potential presidential election year, the same year Nikki Haley hinted at running for president.
2024: 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination Race
The year 2024 signifies the year of the Republican presidential nomination race, for which Nikki Haley announced her candidacy.
2024: Excluded from Trump's Vice Presidential Consideration
Trump confirmed in 2024 that Haley was not being considered as his running mate for the election.