President-elect Donald Trump will tap South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, according to sources for the Associated Press.Haley, a two-term governor, would be the first female Cabinet-level official in Trump’s administration if she is confirmed by the Senate. As the daughter of immigrants from India, she’d also be the first non-white.
Before becoming the first female governor of South Carolina, Haley served three terms in the State House. She lacks significant foreign policy experience, however, which may draw scrutiny during the confirmation hearings.
Despite being an outspoken critic of some of Trump’s proposals, such as the temporary ban on Muslims from entering the U.S., she told reporters last week when visiting Trump Tower that she never disliked the president-elect.
“He was a friend and supporter before he ran for president, and was kind to me then. But when I see something I am uncomfortable with, I say it,” she said. “When we met, it was friends who had known each other before.”
If confirmed, Haley will be replaced by South Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, a Trump ally.
The official announcement is expected later this morning.
This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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