Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations resigned from her position on Tuesday. President Donald Trump, who confirmed the resignation in a Press Conference at the White House, said Haley will leave her post at the end of the year.
Trump also said the Ambassador had informed him of her decision to leave her post a while ago.
He hailed Haley as a “fantastic person” who has “done an incredible job” and said he would gladly welcome her back into his administration.
“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,” Trump said.
“She told me probably six months ago, ‘You know maybe at end of the year — at the end of the two year period — but by the end of the year I want to take a little time off, I want to take a break”.
Trump also said Haley could have her “pick” of a position, if she decides to rejoin his administration.
“We’re all happy for you in one way, but we hate to lose — hopefully you’ll be coming back at some point but in a different capacity. You can have your pick,” he further said.
Hailey, whose decision to step down was more of a shock than expected, said there was no personal reason for her decision.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime” serving as UN ambassador, but that it was time to depart the administration.
“There’s no personal reason. It’s very important for government officials to understand when it’s time to step aside.”
“I want to make sure this administration, this president, has the strongest person to fight”, she stated.
She praised Trump’s foreign policy, saying “the US is respected.”
“Countries may not like what we do, but they respect what we do.”
She also praised members of Trump’s team, including senior advisers, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
“Jared is such a hidden genius that no one understands. We’re a better country because they’re in the administration”, she noted.
However, she denied speculation that she may challenge for the US Preswidency in two years.
“No, I am not running for 2020”, saying she knew the question would likely arise.
“I can promise you what I’ll be doing is campaigning for this one,” Haley added.
The ambassador emphasized that she was stepping aside after serving for almost a decade, including as South Carolina governor.
“It’s been 8 years of intense time,” she said. “I’m a believer in term limits.
The report said Haley’s resignation caught national security adviser, John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo by surprise.
She was appointed into the post by Trump in January 2017. Haley was a strong supporter of Trump’s administration, including his sanctions on China, Russia and Iran.
Trump disclosed that he would announce a successor for the post in two to three weeks’ time.
