Trump names former critic as UN envoy
President-elect Donald Trump has named South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the UN, praising his former critic as “a proven dealmaker”.
She is the first non-white female cabinet-level official appointed to the incoming Trump administration.
Mrs Haley is the daughter of Indian immigrants and was a vocal critic of Mr Trump on the campaign trail.
A rising star in the Republican party, the 44-year-old is the youngest governor in the US.
Mr Trump said in a press release: “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.
“She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage.”
The Republican-controlled Senate will need to confirm her appointment before she officially takes office.
In a statement, Mrs Haley said she was “moved” to accept the assignment and would remain the South Carolina governor, pending her congressional confirmation.
During the Republican primaries, she backed Florida Senator Marco Rubio and then Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
Although Mrs Haley eventually voted for Mr Trump, the governor said she was “not a fan” of either him or the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton. BBC News
