President-elect Trump confirmed Wednesday he plans to nominate South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Trump praised Haley as a respected governor and said her work on seven overseas trade missions would prepare her for work in the UN.
“Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country,” Trump said. “She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage.”
Haley, the daughter of Sikh Indian immigrants, has served as governor since 2011. She was an outspoken Trump critic during the campaign, having endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio during the South Carolina Republican primary, and is a sign Trump is willing to bring on some of the people who opposed him during the campaign.
Haley is the first woman, and the first non-white person, chosen by Trump to be in his administration. He announced he plans to make the UN ambassador post a Cabinet-level position.
Haley moving to the UN would allow Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster to become South Carolina governor. McMaster was an early supporter of Trump.
“Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honored that the President-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country we love as the next Ambassador to the United Nations,” Haley said in a statement. She said there were two reasons why she decided to accept Trump’s offer.
“The first is a sense of duty. When the President believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed,” she said.
“The second is a satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong footing,” she added.
Haley needs to be confirmed by the Senate and plans to remain as governor until that confirmation takes place.
