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Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley vowed on Friday to strip US aid for countries that she said “hate us” if elected president.
In an op-ed published in The New York Post, Haley wrote that taxpayers deserve to know where US foreign aid is going and would be “shocked” to learn that much of it is supporting “anti-American” countries and causes.
The United States, wrote Haley, has given more than $1 billion in recent years to Iraq, which she said is increasing ties to “murderous thugs” in Iran who have shouted “Death to America.”
She further noted that the US has sent aid to Pakistan despite more than a dozen terrorist organizations residing there and China for “ridiculous” environmental programs.
“This is not just Joe Biden. It’s been happening for decades under presidents of both parties. Our foreign-aid policies are stuck in the past,” clarified Haley. “They typically operate on autopilot, with no consideration for the conduct of the countries that receive our aid.”
“Backing American allies and friends like Israel and Ukraine is smart. Sending our tax dollars to enemies isn’t,” wrote Haley, adding “That’s why I will cut every cent in foreign aid for countries that hate us. A strong America doesn’t pay off the bad guys.”
Haley, who served as US Ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration, formally announced her candidacy for President earlier this month, becoming the first Republican candidate to challenge former President Donald Trump.
During her time as Ambassador, she regularly stood up for Israel and has continued to do so even after leaving office.
Last Month, Haley expressed support for Israel following the terrorist attacks in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem and the City of David archaeological site.
“Israel has a right to self-defense,” she tweeted.
In a post on Instagram, Haley shared her tweet and added, “There is no equivalence between Palestinian terrorists targeting innocent civilians and Israel going after terrorists.”
In December, Haley addressed a special audience of Jewish leaders and community members in Montreal, Canada, in which she stressed the importance of the role of the United States in the Middle East, and the impact that had on stability in the region.
She noted, “The only way peace happens in the Middle East is if the US stands strongly and steadfastly with Israel”, and said that, “A strong America prevents war. At the end of the day, it’s about leadership, and America has to demonstrate that leadership, including absolute support for its allies like Israel.”