Five candidates for Haley’s job
In the latest shake-up for President Donald Trump’s turbulent administration, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley abruptly announced she is resigning at the end of the year, raising questions about who will fill the key national security post and about the outspoken diplomat’s own political ambitions.
Trump later told reporters he was considering five candidates for Haley’s job and that a successor would be named in two to three weeks – or maybe sooner.
Among those under consideration, Trump said, is former deputy national security adviser Dina Powell. The Goldman Sachs executive and former Bush administration official is a close ally of Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner – both senior White House aides.
The news of Haley’s departure blindsided some key US allies and many congressional Republicans involved in foreign policy matters. And it came less than a month before congressional elections, thwarting White House efforts to project an image of stability, with the loss of one of the highest-profile women in the administration at a time when women’s votes are being vigorously pursued.
But Haley, the first female governor of South Carolina, has often been an independent force in the Trump administration. At times she has offered strikingly different perspectives on world events from her more isolationist-minded boss.
A smiling Haley announced her decision at an Oval Office meeting alongside the president, bringing up her own political prospects even as she underscored her continued support for Trump. Without prompting from reporters, she said she had no plans to run for president ‘‘in 2020’’ and would campaign for Trump.
Trump told reporters that he has heard Ivanka Trump’s name discussed for the post, adding she’d be ‘‘incredible,’’ but said if he selected her he’d be accused of nepotism.
In a tweet, the presidential senior adviser praised Haley, saying Trump will ‘‘nominate a formidable replacement for Ambassador’’. She added: ‘‘That replacement will not be me.’’
US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell’s name has also been floated for the post, but Trump suggested he’d rather keep him in his current post.
Haley, who is 46 and not personally wealthy, hinted in her resignation letter to Trump that she is headed to the private sector. She has the potential to make much more money in the business world.
White House officials had sought to put a hold on Trump’s record-setting turnover in the run-up to the November 6 elections, with aides being asked months ago to step down or commit to stay through Election Day to avoid adding to a sense of turmoil. – AP