South Carolina governor first woman named to Trump cabinet

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the first woman tapped for a top-level administration post during his White House transition.

It will be a cabinet-level position, Trump said in a statement Wednesday.

“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 in the release. “She is also a proven deal-maker, and we look to be making plenty of deals.

“She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage.”

Haley, an outspoken Trump critic throughout much of the presidential race, would become his first female — and first minority — cabinet-level official if confirmed by the Senate. She’s the daughter of Indian immigrants and the second Asian-American to serve as a U.S. governor.

While Haley has limited foreign policy experience, Trump said he was impressed with her knowledge of global affairs.

After secretary of state, the UN ambassador is the highest-profile diplomatic position, often serving as the voice for U.S. positions on the international stage. As part of the cabinet, Haley would have more opportunity to shape U.S. policies, rather than simply defend the administration’s positions.

Hours later, Trump named Betsy DeVos, who heads the advocacy group American Federation for Children, as education secretary.