Nikki Haley okayed as UN ambassador

WASHINGTON, DC — The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick for US ambassador to the United Nations by a decisive margin on January 24 as Republican-led committees paved the way for three more of his Cabinet nominees to be approved just days into the new administration.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley won strong support for the UN post despite her lack of foreign policy experience. Senators voted 96-4 on Haley’s nomination.

Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the Indian American governor is a proven leader who will be a ‘fierce advocate’ at the UN for American interests.

But not everyone was sold. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Haley didn’t convince him that she’ll serve effectively. The US ambassador to the international body should be an expert on international affairs, Coons said, “not someone who will be learning on the job.”

A Senate vote is expected soon now on Trump’s choice for secretary of state, former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson.

The vote on Haley capped a day when the GOP-led panels endorsed Trump’s choices to lead the Transportation, Housing, and Commerce departments. Yet, congressional Republicans criticized Democrats for not moving quickly enough on all of the President’s selections.