President-elect Donald Trump continues to fill White House positions as the clock marches on to his inauguration on Jan. 20. Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that Trump has appointed South Carolina governor Nikki Haley to be ambassador to the United Nations. Having only ever worked in state and local politics, Haley has no experience with foreign affairs.
Haley is also the first woman and first person of color Trump has appointed to his team. Haley, who was born in South Carolina to parents who had migrated from India, tweeted a statement on Wednesday where she writes that the election has "brought exciting change to America," adding that it pains her not to be able to finish out her final two years as governor:
During Trump's campaign, the president-elect criticized Haley on Twitter (as he has done to almost everyone in politics), saying that her state was embarrassed by her:
Haley was vocal in her criticisms of Trump, saying in early November that each day she held her breath "wondering what he's going to say." But she also said she would support the Republican nominee. Now she has the chance to support him with a job.
Some conservatives were pleased with the announcement of Haley's appointment, offering tepid praise to Haley:
Others noted that Haley has no foreign policy experience, and called out her policy history:
Trump made another appointment on Wednesday: Betsy DeVos as education secretary. Like all Trump appointees, Haley and DeVos' positions won't be finalized until they are confirmed by the senate.
