The younger generation in the Republican camp is changing direction – and a new interview by Nilan Haley, Nikki Haley’s son, clearly illustrates this. • From a home where his mother is considered one of the biggest supporters of Israel in the international arena, the 24-year-old Haley surprises with a completely different approach.
In an unusual interview for the far-right media personality Tucker Carlson’s podcast, Nilan Haley – the 24-year-old son of Nikki Haley, one of the most identified American figures with staunch support for Israel – shows a sharp turn from the positions that were associated with his family. In front of the podcast cameras, he sets an independent and critical line towards Israel, American aid, immigration and foreign lobbying, and describes deep ideological differences between himself and his mother. His statements, which in many places cross lines previously considered taboo in the American right, indicate a significant generational change within the Republican camp.
As for Israel, Haley claimed that the decline in support among young Americans is due to Israel’s own conduct:
“I don’t think it’s something we did. Everything depends on Israel. It’s on them, not on us. And the reality is that they are just another country.”
“I never bought the idea that they were ‘pure evil’ or anything like that,” he said. “They are just another country. So who cares? And if they want better relations with the United States – they should stop interfering in our politics. It’s really simple.”
“Why should the interests of another country determine our policy?… If we cancel the aid and stop the lobbying – it will stop much of the influence, not only of Israel but of every country”
Haley expanded the comments to a general criticism of American foreign policy and aid to foreign countries: “And it’s not just Israel. We need to ban foreign aid. We must not send even one dollar to another country when we have people in poverty, bad schools, medical debts. It doesn’t make sense…”
He added: “We also need to ban foreign lobbying. Why should the interests of another country determine our policy?… If we cancel aid and stop lobbying – it will stop much of the influence, not only of Israel but of every country.”
He also added that the extraordinary focus on Israel on the American right is not healthy: “I remember in 2016 Israel was a subject that could not be touched. It was taboo. And in a way it still is. But this obsession – for better or for worse – is simply strange. I do not agree with any of these extremes.”
“I love my mother – but I don’t agree with her”
In another part, Haley spoke openly about his relationship with his mother and the differences between them. Carlson emphasized that Haley “loves his mother but disagrees with a large part of her opinions”, and Haley confirmed this: “Now it’s very well known that I have different opinions than my mother, and it makes me laugh. People say: ‘I can’t believe you have different opinions than your mother!’ and I always answer: ‘Do you have different opinions than your mother?’ Then they say ‘yes, of course’. So why should I be different?”
Haley even addressed the issue of immigration, arguing that he should not be seen as committed to the attitudes of previous generations: “This is not 1969. This is a completely different country… They think I owe them loyalty because of a decision my grandparents made, which is stupid. All I know is America. I only speak English. I’m a Christian. Why would I be committed to anything else?”
Finally, Haley presented a series of harsh policy demands: “Citizens who have become naturalized should not hold public positions… the number of foreign students should be limited… dual citizenship should not be allowed – this is a stupid idea. You are either American or not… and if someone serves in the army of another country – that should disqualify them.” He added on the language issue: “I want to be able to understand everyone. This is my country… English should be the main language. It’s not acceptable otherwise.”
When asked if he would consider following in his mother’s footsteps and entering politics, he replied simply: “It is my mother’s biggest nightmare that I would enter politics… she saw how toxic and exhausting it is.”