WASHINGTON -- President-elect Donald Trump says he intends to nominate Republican Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Haley released a statement Wednesday, announcing that she would accept the position.
"This month’s elections have brought exciting changes to America. Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally. Last week, President-elect Trump asked if I would meet with him to discuss those challenges, which I was happy to do. He has asked that I serve our country as our next Ambassador to the United Nations. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, I have agreed."
The job requires Senate approval. If that happens, Haley would become the first female - and first nonwhite - Cabinet-level official in his administration. She's the daughter of Indian immigrants.
"Six years ago, South Carolinians bestowed upon me the greatest honor of my life. They took a chance on a little-known, 38-year old, minority, female governor – something our state had never done before. I will be forever grateful, and I expect I will never again receive a higher honor," Haley said.
Trump says in a statement that Haley is "a proven dealmaker and we look forward to making plenty of deals." Trump says Haley "will be a great leader representing us on the world stage."
Haley said she would continue her duties as South Carolina's governor until the Senate approves her nomination.
"I always expected to finish the remaining two years of my second term as governor. Not doing so is difficult because I love serving South Carolina more than anything. I was moved to accept this new assignment for two reasons. The first is a sense of duty. When the President believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed. The second is a satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong footing."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
