Nikki Haley: A Political Profile
Early Life and Career
Nimrata Nikki Haley, née Randhawa, was born on January 20, 1972, in Bamberg, South Carolina. Her parents immigrated from India to Canada before settling in the United States. Haley graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
After working as an accountant, Haley entered politics in 2004 when she was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. She served there until 2010, when she was elected as the 116th Governor of South Carolina, becoming the first woman and the first person of Indian descent to hold that office.
Governor of South Carolina
As governor, Haley implemented several conservative policies, including tax cuts, education reforms, and restrictions on abortion. She also played a key role in the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds in 2015.
Haley's tenure as governor was marked by both successes and controversies. She received praise for her leadership during the 2015 Charleston church shooting, which resulted in the deaths of nine African Americans. However, she also faced criticism for her handling of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and for her support of President Donald Trump.
Ambassador to the United Nations
In 2016, Haley was appointed by President Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In this role, she was a vocal critic of Russia, China, and other countries that she believed were undermining American interests.
Haley resigned from her post as Ambassador in 2018, citing her desire to spend more time with her family. After leaving the Trump administration, Haley became a vocal critic of the former president, particularly after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Personal Life
Haley is married to Michael Haley, an officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard. They have two children, Rena and Nalin.
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