May 8
Nikki Haley’s focus today was on the border. The border is a contentious issue in America and one that the Republican Party is eager to leap upon this election cycle. News media is reporting that there has been a recent surge in the number of migrants crossing the border.
On the 11th May, Title 42 will expire. Title 42 is an order that makes the government able to deport migrants on public health grounds. Those with communicable diseases such as tuberculosis are quickly sent back to either Mexico or their country of origin. Title 42 was used by the Trump administration during the COVID pandemic to deter migrants. It was ruled unconstitutional by a DC federal judge in November 2022 but there was a temporary hold until May.
Haley criticised what she says is Biden’s inaction as well as that of Vice President Harris. She listed suggestions such as defunding sanctuary cities and mandatory E-Verify.
Republican opponent Donald Trump has always spoken strongly about immigration and he was famous for his ‘build the wall’ rhetoric. It will be a strategy that is particularly useful for attracting Republican and perhaps Independent voters in the border areas.
May 9
Haley spoke to Christian Broadcasting News recently. Her interviewer, David Brody, praised Haley for her focus on Christianity.
She further spoke about the border as stated in this Fox piece. Haley also supported the idea of congressional term limits.
May 10
Haley released a statement on the reported ties between the Biden family and China:
‘If true, the allegations about the Biden family’s financial ties to China and other countries raise serious questions about corruption and why the Department of Justice never acted on this information. Joe Biden must be transparent with the American people about what he knew, when he knew it, and every penny his family received from foreign countries.’
A longtime ally of Israel, Haley came out in support of the nation after clashes between them and Palestine.
May 11
Haley once again focused on the border crisis today. She supported keeping Title 42, criticised Biden for his lack of readiness and bemoaned the number of migrants crossing the border. This is once again a play at grabbing voters who are more critical of illegal immigration and who want a stronger border. Whilst this mainly includes Republicans, there are certainly Democrats and Independents whom that applies to.
May 12
Today, Haley came out of the blocks to condemn Representative Rashida Tlaib. Congresswoman Tlaib, who represents Michigan’s 13th district, planned to host an event on Capitol Hill regarding ‘Nakba.’ This refers to the anniversary of the founding of Israel, but this movement refers to the death and displacement of Palestinians. Some refer to Nakba as a myth and an excuse to justify what they call anti-semitism, whilst others hold onto their belief of historical human rights abuses. Tlaib’s plan was initially blocked, but Senator Bernie Sanders opened up a room so the event could go ahead.
Israel is a contentious issue in US politics. Haley is a fervent supporter of Israel and was glad to see the embassy moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The American public is generally supportive of Israel, though this tends to be higher among Republicans than Democrats. Critics both on the left and right argue that too much aid and support is given.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue on so it is something presidential candidates should have to address. Haley has made her support clear.
Polling has Haley on 3.9%.
May 13
A generally quiet day for Haley. She criticised New York apparently throwing homeless veterans out of hotels in favour of migrants.
May 14
Haley once again reiterated her stance on abortion. She said that they should be honest about what is possible on the federal level and that it is best to find common ground.
Abortion is a very contentious issue across the United States. Some states have extremely strict rules whilst others are more loose on the subject. Even those in the pro-life movement are at odds. Some are happy to essentially ban it completely whilst others would be happier with lower limits. Haley herself is proudly pro-life and that is essential for any federal Republican campaigner, much as being pro-choice for any national Democrat would be. The issue has got even larger after the Dobbs decision.
It was also the fifth anniversary of the moving of the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Haley wrote an op-Ed on the subject.
It wasn’t a huge week in terms of events for Haley, but she had a lot to say on the issues of the day. Unfortunately, she seemed to lose coverage to Ron DeSantis, the Florida Governor who hasn’t even announced that he’s running. The coming week will see Haley hit the campaign trail fully once again.