WASHINGTON — Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley declared on Wednesday her intention to vote for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election, despite her previous criticisms of him during her campaign for the GOP presidential nomination.

In her first public appearance since exiting the presidential race, Haley delivered a speech on national security and foreign policy at the Hudson Institute in Washington.

After her remarks, Haley was asked by a moderator whether Trump or President Joe Biden would be more effective in handling these issues.

"Trump has not been perfect on these policies. I’ve made that clear many, many times," Haley said. "But Biden has been a catastrophe. So I will be voting for Trump."

This announcement follows a contentious primary season where Haley maintained double-digit support against Trump in Republican primaries. Despite this, she suspended her campaign for the GOP nomination after Super Tuesday. Throughout her campaign, Haley did not hold back in her criticism of Trump, describing him as "diminished" and "unhinged," and asserting that he had changed since she first endorsed him in the 2016 general election.

"Having said that, I stand by what I said in my suspension speech," Haley continued. "Trump would be smart to reach out to the millions of people who voted for me and continue to support me and not assume that they’re just going to be with him. And I genuinely hope he does that."

Haley also spoke about her return to civilian life, noting that she has been spending more time with her family. She highlighted her husband's recent return from deployment in Djibouti and expressed gratitude towards her campaign staff, some of whom were present in the audience.

Her speech mainly criticized Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling his decision to temporarily withhold certain weapons from Israel "foolish." She also addressed the growing isolationist sentiments within her own party regarding Ukraine, stating that some Republicans need "clarity" on the issue.

Haley further condemned the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as "literally disgusting." She revealed plans to visit Israel soon, emphasizing her desire to show Israelis that Americans stand in solidarity with them.

Despite ending her presidential campaign, Haley's commitment to her political principles and her willingness to voice her opinions, even when they diverge from those of her party, remain evident. Her endorsement of Trump, while maintaining her own critical stance, highlights the complex dynamics within the GOP as it navigates the upcoming election season.

In addition to her criticism of Biden's foreign policy, Haley touched on other significant national security concerns, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and strategic alliances. She stressed the need for America to stand firm against adversaries and support its allies, reinforcing her belief in a proactive and assertive approach to international relations.

Haley's remarks also included a call for unity within the Republican Party, urging her fellow Republicans to come together to address the nation's challenges. She underscored the importance of maintaining a strong and cohesive party front to effectively counter the policies of the current administration and advance the GOP's agenda.

Her speech at the Hudson Institute, therefore, served as both a critique of current policies and a rallying cry for Republicans to unite and support their shared goals. As the GOP prepares for the upcoming election, Haley's stance and her call for unity may play a crucial role in shaping the party's strategy and approach in the months ahead.