U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced she is resigning her post at the end of the year. The announcement was made this morning during a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office at the White House.
“She’s done a fantastic job and we’ve done a fantastic job together. We’ve solved a lot of problems and we’re in the process of solving a lot of problems,” the President said.
President Trump said Haley had informed him of her departure six months ago but sources have told various news outlets that her announcement came just last week, and as a surprise. Haley submitted her resignation letter on October 4, according to a copy of the letter that was obtained by CNN.
Haley cited wanting to return to the private sector as the reason for her departure.
“Between the UN Ambassadorship and serving in the South Carolina Governorship and General Assembly, I have been in public office for fourteen straight years. As a businessman, I expect you will appreciate my sense that returning from government to the private sector is not a step down but a step up,” she wrote.
There are reports that financial needs played a strong role in her decision. With one daughter in college and another on the way soon, increasing her family’s earning was in the front of Haley’s mind, sources say.
Mr. Trump said he has a list of potential replacements and is planning to work through the list in the coming weeks. “We actually have many names,” the President told reporters after the announcement.
He didn’t mention any names although he did cite his daughter Ivanka who he said would be an “incredible” choice.
“I’ve heard a lot of names. I’ve heard Ivanka. How good would Ivanka be? I think Ivanka would be incredible but it doesn’t mean I’d pick her. Because I’d be accused of nepotism even though I’m not sure there’s anybody more competent in the world,” he said.
The First Daughter tamped down any speculation that she was being seriously considered for the role. “It is an honor to serve in the White House alongside so many great colleagues and I know that the President will nominate a formidable replacement for Ambassador Haley. That replacement will not be me,” the younger Trump tweeted after the President’s comments.
Haley also tamped down expectations of her own, that of a possible presidential bid in 2020.
“I expect to continue to speak out from time to time on important public policy matters, but I will surely not be a candidate for any office in 2020,” Haley said. “As a private citizen, I look forward to supporting your re-election as President, and supporting the policies that will continue to move our great country toward even greater heights.”
Haley plans to stay on until January 2019, giving the President enough time to choose a replacement and for that choice to be confirmed by the Senate.
Photo by The White House