Nikki Haley has reemerged in the public spotlight, unveiling "Stand for America," a self-described "advocacy group promoting public policies that strengthen America's economy, culture, and national security."
Excited about starting a new policy group, @StandAmericaNow. We will focus on how to keep our country safe, strong, and prosperous. Join me as we stand up for America’s freedoms and values. https://t.co/X2fCWzsXkY pic.twitter.com/Ypa8YXCORX
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) 25 февраля 2019 г.
The think-tank lists a series of international "dangers," including "Iranian-backed Islamic terrorism," "Communist China" and its "spreading…influence throughout the world," North Korea and its nuclear weapons, and Russia, which it claims "meddles in our elections and invades neighbouring countries." Other "threats" purportedly include "rogue regimes" Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, which the brain trust accuses of supporting "narcotrafficking that invades America."
Domestically, Haley's think-tank lists the issue of border security and excessive immigration, "socialism," and the lack of Congressional term limits as threats to America's "cultural fabric".
Haley is considered a likely candidate for the Republican nomination in 2024. On Monday, the former Trump official told the Washington Post that she has not planned that far ahead, and reiterated that she had no plans to challenge President Trump with a run in 2020.
Social media users weren't so sure, however, with both supporters and critics saying the think tank could easily be repurposed for use in a presidential run.
It's like a political movement that says all sorts of common sensical, smart things, that can be repurpose into a campaign slogan and site on a moment's notice.
— GPaul (@GimmeYourTired) 25 февраля 2019 г.
That's a good thing.
Money grab? Seems like you had the job to "keep our country safe, strong, and prosperous," but you left it…….
— Sheriff Bart (@sheriff_bartt) 25 февраля 2019 г.
Uh, Nikki could not run a bake sale, let alone our country.
— Christina Stockton (@ChristinaStock1) 25 февраля 2019 г.
Some users attacked the think-tank's priorities, arguing there were other more pressing domestic issues that Haley was seemingly ignoring, or urging the US to consider its own behaviour abroad before branding other countries as "international dangers."
Are they going to finally put an end to massive taxpayer funded hand outs to failing corporations?
— Mr. Peru (@stsoflima) 25 февраля 2019 г.
People like Haley don't give a damn about us people, climate change or income equality. Follow the money that supports their bullshit.
— Christina Stockton (@ChristinaStock1) 25 февраля 2019 г.
Make sure you explain Socialism as the desire for for our tax dollars to help the citizens of our country, instead of wasting tax dollars on corporate subsidies and unneeded military spending.
— Josh Rotenberg (@el_Joosh24) 25 февраля 2019 г.
To the rest of humanity — that is the majority — you are the international danger. It's time to grow up, stop behaving like a spoilt child which thinks it owns the planet, understand the rest of us don't owe you a living & accept we are not here for your convenience to dispose of
— Dave Hansell (@hansell_dave) 26 февраля 2019 г.
She should concentrate her efforts on fighting corruption and graft. I love our social programs. Which billionaires are backing her ‘new policy group’?
— Wen War (@wenwar69) 25 февраля 2019 г.
Picked by Trump for US ambassador to the UN in January 2017, Nikki Haley announced her resignation from the post in October, and stepped down at the end of December. The resignation came following reports that an anti-corruption watchdog was seeking an investigation into Haley's acceptance of flights on private jets, which it said was a possible violation of federal ethics regulations on gifts to public servants.
During her tenure at the UN, Haley voiced a hawkish stance on Russia, China, Iran, Syria and other US adversaries, repeatedly getting into sparring matches with Russian representatives to the body on everything from sanctions to Syrian chemical weapons to diplomatic etiquette.
